The current accounting methods of the Ministry of Accounts are all derived from later generations. They have experienced more than a hundred years of evolution and have been perfected by countless professionals. How can it be so easy to find flaws in them?
At least, judging from the knowledge of the accountants of this era, no matter how experienced and wise they are, if no one is there to teach them, it will take six or seven years to thoroughly understand the accounting techniques of the Account Department. painstaking research. [No pop-up novel website]
However, with these six or seven years of buffer time, it is enough for Zhao Junchen to accomplish many things and realize many plans. By then, if everything goes well, Zhao Junchen will no longer be afraid of anyone going to the household department to check the accounts. Although, Zhao Junchen still only adheres to the idea of "trying his best" in many of these things and plans, and has no plans. What a certainty.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen was not very worried or concerned about Huang Yourong's checking of the accounts of the Department of Accounts this time, because from the very beginning, Huang Yourong's attempt to check the accounts of the Department of Accounts was doomed to fail.
…………
In fact, while Huang Yourong was furious about this, Zhao Junchen was not idle either. He was in the study of the Zhao Mansion, reviewing some information about Yan Pengfei, the right servant of the Ministry of Punishment, sent by the West Factory, and was preparing to make the next move. One step plan.
In fact, Zhao Junchen will take advantage of the party dispute between Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong this time, because Zhao Junchen still controls the power of Xichang, and he must use the power and responsibility of Xichang to collect information and evidence. It's much faster, and you can always seize the opportunity.
For example, right now, Zhao Junchen is planning to target Yan Pengfei, the right minister of the Ministry of Justice. Not long after the idea was made, Wei Huai sent nearly twenty pieces of evidence against Yan Pengfei collected by Xichang to Zhao Junchen, and these evidence against him were sent to Zhao Junchen. It was enough for Zhao Junchen and his party to impeach Yan Pengfei for more than half a month in the following days.
At this time, Zhao Junchen was planning to select one more item to continue impeaching Yan Pengfei in court tomorrow morning.
Although, Zhao Junchen also understood that Huang Yourong and Yan Pengfei were prepared for some common crimes. I'm afraid that no matter how much impeachment is done, there will be nothing that can be done to get Yan Pengfei away. After all, in the temple, Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong were only equally powerful at best.
But Zhao Junchen does not intend to give up just like this because of such successive impeachments. Although he was unable to do anything about Yan Pengfei, he was able to divert the attention of Huang Yourong's party and create a situation and illusion between the government and the public, which fell into the eyes of unsuspecting people. It seems that Yan Pengfei's position in the court is already in jeopardy.
And once the world has such a misunderstanding. Those officials and citizens in the government and the public who had been wronged because of Yan Pengfei, but dared not speak out because they were afraid of Yan Pengfei's power, would automatically jump out and attack Yan Pengfei with a little provocation.
At that time, it was time for Zhao Junchen to close the net.
And these are Zhao Junchen's real goals.
If you want to do something, you must first build momentum. This is exactly the principle.
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"Using power for personal gain, accepting money to exonerate others, framing and extorting people, misappropriating public funds from the Ministry of Punishment without permission. There are also things like raping women and occupying private houses... Considering Yan Pengfei's official position in the Ministry of Punishment, there is nothing he can do within his power and responsibilities The matter is clear. He is still intact, but it is almost as good as my original estimate."
In the study, Zhao Junchen flipped through the documents in his hand. There was a thick stack of documents, all of which were related to Yan Pengfei's various crimes in officialdom over the years. Zhao Junchen shook his head slightly and murmured to himself.
When Xu Qingyan heard Zhao Junchen whispering to himself, he sneered disdainfully: "If you ask me, that's all Yan Pengfei's worth. Even I could have guessed his crimes in advance. With all these years, he has relied on With the protection of Huang Yourong, this man has always been unscrupulous and did not hide it very much. He is not willing to go to war for a small amount of money. Naturally, the West Factory will find out immediately. Master, if you want to punish him now, it will be easy. .”
After hearing Xu Qingyan's sarcasm, Zhao Junchen couldn't help shaking his head and laughing.
In fact, wasn't Zhao Junchen like this back then? Relying on the favor of Emperor Deqing, Yan Pengfei was even more unscrupulous than today's Yan Pengfei. It was not until Jiu occupied the magpie's nest that his behavior gradually changed. It's just that now that Xu Qingyan has adapted to Zhao Junchen's new style of doing things, he has gradually become disdainful of this kind of "technical" approach.
While thinking deeply, Zhao Junchen said slowly: "Actually, in the final analysis, few officials in the world can withstand strict investigation. They are all managing their own three-acre land and using their respective powers." When it comes to making profits for oneself, few are clean and few can withstand strict investigation. The key lies in whether they go to the investigation or not.
What's more, now that you are laughing at Yan Pengfei so much, you have forgotten that we were not like this before? Otherwise, how could your and my reputation be so tarnished? To be honest, although Yan Pengfei didn't hide his actions very much, at least he didn't make a big fuss and make it known to everyone like me, he was still much smarter than me. "
Xu Qingyan chuckled and said: "Master, haven't you figured it out now? Since returning to Beijing, we have never done anything like corruption and bribery. Instead, we often do good deeds to help people build bridges and pave roads. Although we have a good reputation, Gradually things have turned around, but the amount of money coming into the house has actually increased."
Speaking of this, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but smile when he thought about the amount of money that Zhao's house had received during this period.
Seeing Xu Qingyan's appearance, Zhao Junchen couldn't help shaking his head and laughing again. Then he ignored Xu Qingyan and just lowered his head and continued to review the information about Yan Pengfei.
Sometimes, Zhao Junchen didn't want to understand why Xu Qingyan cared so much about the income and expenditure of money in Zhao Junchen's hands. Although Zhao Junchen trusted Xu Qingyan and regarded him as his brother, and the money in the house was always allowed to be withdrawn by Xu Qingyan without even setting an upper limit, but After all, it was only Zhao Junchen's money, not Xu Qingyan's. What's more, Xu Qingyan had always been with Zhao Junchen and had little need for money.
However. Xu Qingyan always has great concern and enthusiasm for the income and expenditure of money in Zhao Junchen's hands. Once the Zhao family has a large amount of money income. He would have fun for several days and be full of energy for everything he did. However, if he had any big expenses and saw the amount of money in the Zhao family's account decrease, he would be depressed for a long time and lose energy to do anything.
In this regard, Zhao Junchen could only think that it was Xu Qingyan's miser nature and his loyalty to himself.
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Just when Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan, the master and servant, were chatting. Chu Jiayi on the side was quietly waiting on Zhao Junchen's writing as usual.
However, although Chu Jiayi looked calm. It seemed that he was just laying out paper and polishing ink with concentration, but he listened to every word of the conversation between Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan. After hearing Xu Qingyan's words. I couldn't help but think deeply. And subconsciously turned his gaze to Zhao Junchen's face.
At this time, Zhao Junchen was flipping through the papers in his hands with concentration, and did not notice Chu Jiayi's small movements.
Seeing Zhao Junchen being so serious, Chu Jiayi couldn't help but frown slightly, her eyes full of complexity and contradiction.
Since becoming Zhao Junchen's personal maid, Chu Jiayi's status in the Zhao family has been very high, and she has the right to know many things. In addition, Zhao Junchen wanted to prevent Chu Jiayi from becoming suspicious. Many things were not deliberately hidden from her.
So Chu Jiayi knew very well what Zhao Junchen did. Indeed, as Xu Qingyan said just now, he doesn't look like a corrupt official at all - not only has he never embezzled public funds, but he has moved the government's private bank to the Ministry of Household Affairs to help refugees; not only is he not arrogant, extravagant, absurd and corrupt, but he lives a simple life. She has no desires or desires; not only has she never been greedy for female sex, but she has only slept in Fang Ru's room so far. Chu Jiayi considers herself to have a good appearance, and as Zhao Junchen's personal maid, she has already realized this. , but Zhao Junchen never touched her...
The most important thing is that Zhao Junchen has always been dedicated to the official affairs of the DPRK and China, and is quite capable. Chu Jiayi has seen it more than once. When the national treasury was in an unusual shortage of public funds, Zhao Junchen racked his brains to do the best for the government. The court squeezed out all kinds of expenses, and even stayed up all night for this.
Compared with "corrupt officials" like Zhao Junchen, the self-proclaimed and upright officials in the court seem to only talk and do nothing.
But it doesn't make sense to say that Zhao Junchen is not a corrupt official and a traitorous official. Let alone Chu Jiayi's deep impression of Zhao Junchen. Although Zhao Junchen has never embezzled public funds, his filial piety towards the officials below him is not the same. He has never refused, and for this reason he often protects his friends regardless of right or wrong. The amount of money that the Zhao Mansion receives every year is definitely not what an upright official and a wise minister should have.
What's more, Chu Jiayi also saw clearly the whole story of the party dispute between Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong. It was completely provoked by Zhao Junchen in order to seize power and expand his power.
In short, everything about Zhao Junchen these days has been subverting Chu Jiayi's impression of him. In addition to making Chu Jiayi feel conflicted, she also unknowingly developed the habit of secretly observing Zhao Junchen. Junchen's habits. The curiosity about Zhao Junchen has become deeper and deeper in Chu Jiayi's heart. Sometimes, while thinking about Zhao Junchen's nature, Chu Jiayi will even forget her true purpose of lurking in the Zhao Mansion.
…………
And just when Chu Jiayi was thoughtful and observing Zhao Junchen secretly, Zhao Junchen suddenly spoke.
Zhao Junchen took out one of the incriminating evidence materials about Yan Pengfei from a pile and handed it to Xu Qingyan who was standing aside. Then he ordered: "Qingyan, please send someone to hand over this accusation to all the adults, and ask them to hurry up." Before the morning meeting tomorrow, we have prepared an impeachment package based on this crime, and the wording should be more intense, and then we will act according to the situation in the morning meeting and launch an attack together."
Xu Qingyan took it and looked at it, but it was evidence of Yan Pengfei's crime of embezzling private property when purchasing property. After nodding, he said nothing more and left the study to make arrangements.
After Xu Qingyan left, Zhao Junchen finally noticed Chu Jiayi's eyes on him, so he turned to look at Chu Jiayi and asked, "What's wrong? Do you have something to say?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen discovered her little move, Chu Jiayi couldn't help but panic secretly, but after all, she had stayed with Zhao Junchen for a long time, so she quickly calmed down. After taking a look at the sky outside the window, she softly replied: "Master , it’s getting late. It’s time for the servant girl to go to the small kitchen to prepare tonight’s midnight snack cakes for the master.”
Zhao Junchen didn't seem to notice the change in Chu Jiayi's expression, but just shook his head and said: "No, Ru'er has recently learned a new pastry method. It seems to be called lotus cake. She will cook and prepare it herself for tonight's supper. You don’t have to go, just wait in the study.”
At this point, Zhao Junchen laughed again and said: "Last time I said that the pastries she made were not as delicious as yours, but I was out of consideration. These days, she has been competing with you for work whenever she has time. I think she wants it. Compete with you."
Thinking of Fang Ru's performance in recent days, Chu Jiayi couldn't help but smile and said, "This is Mrs. Ruyi's feelings for you, Master. But it is not comparable to the little maid's skills."
Zhao Junchen sighed, shook his head and said: "I'm just worried that she will be tired. Ru'er is in charge of many things inside and outside the house now, and she has always been involved in everything. She doesn't have any capable people to help her. She is not much more free than me, but she still has a lot of time. She has to spend a lot of time studying cooking every day, and I really don’t know where she gets so much energy. After handling all the official duties, I am always so tired that I always fall asleep every day."
Chu Jiayi smiled and said: "Master, you may feel tired, but Mrs. Ruyi may not feel tired. Let me see. Once Mrs. Ruyi feels that she can help the master, no matter how busy she is, she will enjoy it."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's true, but I'm afraid she's too pushy."
Seeing that Zhao Junchen was not in a hurry to deal with official duties today, and seemed to be having a good time talking to each other, Chu Jiayi hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to take the opportunity to inquire about some useful things, but she said: "Speaking of which, Miss Liu Rui wanted to cure Xiao Er. I have an eye disease, so I took Xia'er to Shaanxi to visit a famous doctor. I have been away from home for several days, and I don't know what the situation is. Xia'er is in a pitiful situation, and I hope everything goes well."
After chatting for a few words, Zhao Junchen continued to deal with the official business papers at hand. After hearing Chu Jiayi's words, he flipped through the papers in his hand and said noncommittally: "I sent some chariots and horses to follow them. Although It’s a long way to go, but I think nothing will happen.”
After Chu Jiayi glanced at Zhao Junchen secretly, she asked cautiously: "I heard, sir, that you have a dispute with Mr. Huang Yourongge in the court because of the shrimp incident? Is this incident between the government and the public recently? There was a lot of commotion, but are you serious?"
He understood that Chu Jiayi wanted to find out some useful information. Fortunately, Prince Zhu Heyu reported it after returning to Beijing. Unfortunately, Chu Jiayi was not born a qualified undercover agent. The topic was changed so abruptly that Zhao Junchen couldn't help but secretly Shake his head.
But Zhao Junchen did not expose it, and just followed the topic and said: "These days, I do have some conflicts with Mr. Huang Ge, and we also argue fiercely. Today Mr. Huang Ge even sent someone to the household department to check the accounts, and wanted to It's embarrassing for me, but it's not because of Xi'er. Speaking of it, this time it was me who took the initiative to challenge Mr. Huang Ge and took the first step to remove his disciple's official position, so he took revenge."
Seeing that Zhao Junchen spoke indifferently, as if this much-anticipated party dispute was just a trivial matter, Chu Jiayi asked curiously: "Then why did you take the initiative to argue with Mr. Huang Ge? But why did Mr. Huang Ge offend me? Already?"
This is not only Chu Jiayi's most curious question, but now countless people in the government and the public have the same question. After all, Zhao Junchen's attack on Huang Yourong this time was too sudden, with no warning at all.
In the past few days, almost everyone, including Huang Yourong himself, was confused about the cause of the party dispute between Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong, and speculated about it.
Given that Chu Jiayi was a spy placed by Prince Zhu Heyu, Zhao Junchen naturally could not tell his true purpose. After all, his party fight with Huang Yourong this time was ultimately to seduce Prince Zhu Heyu to marry Emperor Deqing. During the southern tour, Huang Yourong was just a casual target of doing some "right stupid things".
But Zhao Junchen didn't want to avoid Chu Jiayi's inquiry. So after thinking for a moment, Zhao Junchen finally said: "If you want to say that Huang Yourong offended me in any way, it's not necessarily true. In fact, before I impeached Huang Yourong's disciples, Huang Yourong also took the initiative to show his kindness to me. You want to form an alliance with me, but in this officialdom, many disputes are actually without reason, such as the party dispute between me and Huang Yourong."
At this point, seeing that Chu Jiayi was still a little confused and seemed unable to understand, Zhao Junchen continued: "If there is a reason, I can only say that I am above the officialdom. The next stage has begun, and Huang Yourong happens to be one of the rocks blocking the road."
"Next stage?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Chu Jiayi became even more confused.
Zhao Junchen smiled. But instead of answering, he asked: "If you think about it, how many different stages does a person need to go through if he wants to become famous in the officialdom?"
Zhao Junchen's question is a bit profound, and I am afraid that many veterans in the officialdom will not be able to understand it, let alone Chu Jiayi, who has never been involved in the officialdom.
Therefore, although Chu Jiayi thought seriously for a moment, she still shook her head and said, "My servant can't understand."
"If you want to make a name for yourself in the officialdom, you probably need three different stages, that is, first 'being a human being', then 'becoming an official', and then 'doing things'! In history, there are all those who are extremely famous and famous throughout the ages. Is this the case? They went through these three stages before reaching their respective achievements.”
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen sighed softly and said helplessly: "Actually, if it was during the period of Yao, Shun, and Yutang, those who were officials were protected by the saints above, and the people's hearts were simple below. Officials were between the king and the people. If you want to make something famous, you just need to 'do things'. As long as you do things well, the kings will reward you. Your colleagues will support you, and the people will love you. Then naturally, you will rise step by step and become famous throughout the ages. Simple truth.”
At this point, Zhao Junchen shook his head again and continued: "Unfortunately, people's hearts are not as ancient as today, and it is no longer the era of Yao, Shun, and Yu. In fact, I have always doubted the descriptions of the Yao, Shun, and Yu periods in history books. , did it really happen? Or is it just a guess that future generations take for granted? In my opinion, that era that only belongs to sage kings and virtuous ministers is just the ideal of historians and literati."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Chu Jiayi nodded thoughtfully. At least on the surface, she did not refute Zhao Junchen's point of view. She just agreed softly: "My lord, I have a good opinion."
Zhao Junchen continued: "But reality is different from ideals after all. People's hearts in the world are changeable. After entering the court and becoming an official, if you only focus on 'doing things', it will not work. The people below may not be able to understand. His colleagues may be jealous, and the emperor above may be jealous. Not only will he get twice the result with half the effort, but it will also be counterproductive and even endanger himself. Therefore, in today's world, the first priority of an official is not how to 'do things', but how to 'be a person'. '!"
"Be a human being?"
Listening to Zhao Junchen's specious reasoning, Chu Jiayi frowned slightly and repeated the sentence subconsciously.
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Yes, if you want to be an official, you must first learn how to be a human being. The so-called 'being a human being' refers to the way and means of dealing with others. Only by learning how to be a human being can you have a good impression in the hearts of the people. In this way, they can gain the support of the people; they can live in harmony with their colleagues, so they can gain the support of their colleagues; they can also please the emperor, so they can gain the attention of the emperor. In this way, can officials have a stable status in the officialdom, and only by having a stable status in the officialdom Only when it is stable can we start the next stage.”
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen laughed at himself: "Speaking of which, before, I was in the first stage of being an official, that is, the stage of 'being a human being.' I try my best to ease the relationship with those who are hostile to me, and then win over those officials who have the same interests as me to become friends and protect and help each other. It is precisely because of this that I can have the current situation and be able to serve in the government. consolidated its position.”
Chu Jiayi asked: "So, sir, your position in the court is now stable and you have begun the 'official' stage. That's why you have a dispute with Mr. Huang Ge?"
Zhao Junchen nodded with a smile and said: "That's it. After your position in the court is stable, if you want to go further and make a difference, you need greater power to complement you, so you need to expand your power. You need to To form more cronies, you need to compete with other forces in the DPRK for power. Many times, for your own benefit, you even need to frame others out of thin air, so as to expand the power in your hands step by step. At this stage, the key point is I call it 'being an official' when it comes to forming a party for personal gain. And now, the reason why I suddenly target Huang Yourong is actually because I am coveting the power and influence in Huang Yourong's hands, and I want to compete for some of it."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen sighed: "If one day, I have a power and influence comparable to that of Zhou Shangjing, the chief minister of the dynasty, and I can make His Majesty also show courtesy, this stage of 'officialship' will be almost over. At that time, when you have enough power and influence in your hands, you no longer have to worry about being controlled and repulsed by others, and you can express your ambitions without restrictions, and then you can reach the third stage, which is the stage of 'doing things' .”
Hearing Zhao Junchen say so much that seemed to be true and false, Chu Jiayi felt a little unsure in her heart, feeling that these were just Zhao Junchen's words to cover up what he had done.
But when Zhao Junchen mentioned the "working" stage, it seemed to involve Zhao Junchen's true ambition, but it was only mentioned in a few sentences, without the detailed explanation before, but he couldn't help but feel something in his heart. Zhao Junchen asked - if he really reached the stage of 'doing things', what would he plan to do? Why can't we do these things before and now? Why do we have to wait until we have power comparable to Zhou Shangjing before we can do it?
However, after hesitating for a moment, Chu Jiayi still suppressed the impulse in her heart and just lowered her head and said: "Master, your words are secretly consistent with the principle of 'if you are poor, you can benefit yourself, and if you are prosperous, you can benefit the world'. It's just that It’s limited to the officialdom, but it adds more steps from poverty to prosperity.”
Zhao Junchen smiled and laughed at himself: "It's just a way of studying officialdom. How can it be compared with the principles of the sages? You are shaming me by saying that. However, these words of mine are only general descriptions. The so-called three stages of being an official are also intertwined with each other and the priorities change. For example, although I have not yet reached the stage of 'doing things', am I not doing my best for the court?"
With that said, Zhao Junchen shook the paper in his hand, then said nothing more, just opened the paper and continued to deal with the official business of the court.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Chu Jiayi also understood that Zhao Junchen had finished talking and did not intend to say anything more to her, so she obediently stopped talking and just continued to serve Zhao Junchen's pen and ink, just hanging her head. , there seemed to be complex emotions secretly fluctuating in his eyes.
Since coming to Zhao Junchen, Chu Jiayi has always been cautious about her words in order to avoid arousing Zhao Junchen's suspicion. Although she often accompanies Zhao Junchen, today's conversation is already the longest conversation between her and Zhao Junchen. .
However, Zhao Junchen's words seemed true and false. They seemed to say a lot, but they seemed to say nothing.
But for some reason, Chu Jiayi always felt that after such a conversation, she finally understood Zhao Junchen somewhat.
On the other side, while Zhao Junchen was dealing with official business, he saw the change in Chu Jiayi's expression from the corner of his eye and smiled secretly in his heart.
In fact, what Zhao Junchen said is not false.
First 'be a human being' to stabilize the situation, then 'be an official' to expand authority, and then 'do things' to fulfill one's heart, this is actually Zhao Junchen's real idea. It's just that these are of no use to the prince Zhu Heyu behind Chu Jiayi.
While thinking secretly, Zhao Junchen stopped thinking too much and just continued to deal with official matters. For Chu Jiayi, Zhao Junchen actually did not intend to spend too much time on it.
However, at this time, Zhao Junchen did not know that among his cronies, Chen Dongxiang, the minister of the Ministry of Industry who was most dissatisfied with him, was hesitating and conflicting while reading a secret letter inciting him to rebel.
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ps: During this period of time, due to some work reasons, I can’t access the Internet, but I have saved a lot of manuscripts, about **0,000 words, all of which are large chapters of more than 5,000 words. Let’s post three chapters today. Well, this is the first update, a three-in-one chapter with more than 7,000 words. The following chapters are being revised and will be posted soon. (To be continued...)
