Yue Ke Lai Restaurant is like its name that can be seen everywhere. Although the decoration is quite elegant and it has a few specialty dishes, it is not an outstanding or famous restaurant in the capital. [No pop-up novel website]
At least, unlike those big restaurants, officials from the DPRK and China don't often come and go to eat here, and no one pays attention to it deliberately.
Therefore, after arriving at Yue Ke Lai Restaurant, Chen Dongxiang did not look around carefully after getting out of the car - in fact, looking around cautiously at this time would make him look suspicious - but stepped directly into Yue Ke Lai Restaurant.
Seeing Chen Dongxiang's appearance, the restaurant waiter hurriedly greeted him, but before he could say hello, Chen Dongxiang was the first to say in a deep voice: "I have an appointment with the guest in the herringbone single room."
After hearing Chen Dongxiang's words, the waiter seemed to have received the instructions in advance. He did not make any loud noises, but just stretched out his hand to lead Chen Dongxiang towards the herringbone single room of the restaurant.
After entering the private room of the restaurant, Chen Dongxiang looked up and saw that the banquet dishes had been prepared, and Huo Zhengyuan, the bachelor of Wenyuan Pavilion who invited him to come, was sitting on the banquet in casual clothes and looking at him with a smile.
After the guy said hello, he immediately left the room and closed the door.
For a moment, only Chen Dongxiang and Huo Zhengyuan were left in the room.
…………
"My lower official, Chen Dongxiang, has met Bachelor Huo."
After there was no one else in the room, Chen Dongxiang bowed and saluted Huo Zhengyuan with a respectful expression.
Although Huo Zhengyuan is a bachelor, he has the right to enter and leave the cabinet. But at this time, he had no intention of putting on airs. He quickly stood up and left the table, greeting him with a smile. After reaching out to support Chen Dongxiang, he said with a kind smile: "You are finally here, Mr. Chen. I was worried just now that you would not appreciate your face, Mr. Chen. Now that I see Mr. Chen appearing, I finally feel at ease."
"Master Huo, as a bachelor, you are willing to invite me to the banquet. How can I not know how to show appreciation?" As he spoke, Chen Dongxiang also put on a rare smile, but Chen Dongxiang's His temperament has always been gloomy. The sudden change of smile at this time made people feel really awkward.
However, seeing Chen Dongxiang being so polite, Huo Zhengyuan's eyes showed satisfaction. He smiled and said, "We're seeing you! We're seeing you! Let's not just stand around and be polite. Come to the table and talk."
Then, Huo Zhengyuan first affectionately pulled Chen Dongxiang to sit down at the table, and then said with a guilty look on his face: "This banquet is a bit shabby. I hope that Mr. Chen won't be offended. Originally, I wanted to hold a banquet for Mr. Chen in Jufu Tower. But Chen Shilang, you also know that there are officials from the DPRK and Central Government coming and going in Jufu Tower all day long, attracting attention. It is really inconvenient, and your and my status are even more eye-catching. So I had to book a seat here to entertain Chen Shilang . However, although this restaurant is not as famous as Jufulou, the food is still delicious. The three private rooms, Tianzihao, Dizihao, and Renzihao, can also be regarded as elegantly decorated. However, the two single rooms on that day and the ground are also elegant. But it’s by the window and close to the street, which attracts people’s attention, so I had to book a herringbone single room.”
Listening to Huo Zhengyuan's explanation, Chen Dongxiang didn't care, and just said politely: "Master Huo is too polite. Although you and I are just getting together for a normal time this time, it's just a liaison between colleagues, but considering the current situation between North Korea and China, we need to keep a low profile. Some should be.”
Hearing the words "ordinary gathering" in Chen Dongxiang's mouth, Huo Zhengyuan narrowed his eyes subconsciously. He originally thought that Chen Dongxiang was willing to meet him this time because he had already made up his mind to betray Zhao Junchen and join Huang Yourong, but now he heard that Chen Dongxiang was willing to meet him. words, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
In fact, although Chen Dongxiang decided to meet Huo Zhengyuan, he did feel that his embarrassing position under Zhao Junchen was not a long-term solution. However, with Chen Dongxiang's temperament, he would not easily turn to Huang Yourong. He also wanted to see what Huang Yourong could offer him. What kind of benefits, and if Huang Yourong can defeat Zhao Junchen in the court with his help, will he make a choice.
Chen Dongxiang has always pursued "egoism", and he will naturally not do anything that is not beneficial. The contact with Huo Zhengyuan at this time was just a trial.
Huo Zhengyuan, as the wise and courageous person of Ge Lao Huang Yourong, had already guessed Chen Dongxiang's thoughts in a sudden thought, but his expression remained unchanged. He just shook his head and sighed: "Yes, it is always good to be careful and low-key. Since Your Majesty After rebuilding the West Factory, the power of the factory guards in the DPRK and the Central Government has attracted people's attention. We and other officials in the DPRK and the Central Government are also frightened. You and I are now embarrassed. When we meet Chen Shilang this time, in order to divert the eyes and ears of the factory guards, I will It took a lot of effort, but it’s really amazing to think about it.”
At this point, Huo Zhengyuan changed his subject and said: "However, the power of the factory guards cannot last forever. Moreover, the factory guards have always been the power of the inner court, and the eunuchs in our dynasty who have used the power of the factory guards to exercise power and interfere in politics have often been Will he be abandoned by the emperor in three to five years, let alone control the power of factory guards as a foreign minister? I am afraid he will be abandoned by the emperor even faster. Nowadays, some people are using the power of factory guards to stir up trouble in the court, and they seem to be very proud of it. , even the cabinet boss doesn’t take it seriously, but he is short-sighted. The cabinet boss is still the cabinet boss after all, and his position will eventually be stable. Even if the factory guard can gain the upper hand for a while, he will eventually fall down in the future... Mr. Chen, do you think this is true?"
Huo Zhengyuan's words were an indirect admission to Chen Dongxiang that in this party dispute between Huang Yourong and Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen temporarily had the upper hand. But Huo Zhengyuan also reminded Chen Dongxiang that the reason why Zhao Junchen can compete with Huang Yourong now is because he still has the power of Xichang. Without the power of Xichang, Zhao Junchen is just a minister, and it is impossible to compete with the cabinet minister. , and although the West Factory controlled by Zhao Junchen can gain temporary benefits, in the long run, it will be Zhao Junchen's hidden danger, so Chen Dongxiang needs to carefully consider his choice.
Just like this, the negotiation between Huo Zhengyuan and Chen Dongxiang began inadvertently.
As for Huo Zhengyuan's hint, Chen Dongxiang naturally understood it.
But although what Huo Zhengyuan said was reasonable, it was not enough to convince Chen Dongxiang.
After all, long-term hidden dangers, no matter how serious they are, only belong to the future and are Huang Yourong's worries. But it belongs to now. If Huang Yourong is finally defeated by Zhao Junchen's fierce pursuit this time, then how serious Zhao Junchen's worries will be in the future. It is impossible for Chen Dongxiang to turn to a loser.
What's more, although Huo Zhengyuan hinted a lot, he still didn't explicitly promise benefits to Chen Dongxiang, and Chen Dongxiang would not express his position easily.
Therefore, after hearing Huo Zhengyuan's words, Chen Dongxiang did not take up the topic and just said slowly: "Xiaguan has been working in the Ministry of Industry for these years. He only knows how to build rivers and cities and other stupid tasks, and his status has always been Humble. But I don’t quite understand these principles of Academician Huo.”
Chen Dongxiang did not let the hawk see the rabbit, and he took the initiative to mention his "low status", which was implicit in his words. Huo Zhengyuan naturally understood. But he finally made it clear and said with a smile: "Shilang Chen, you are too modest. With your talents, it is really unfair to be a mere minister of the Ministry of Industry. To be honest, Shilang Chen, in fact, Mr. Huang Ge has been treating you for a long time." The desire to make friends, and Mr. Huang Ge’s power and influence in the court, Chen Shilang, you also know. If you can make good friends with Mr. Huang Ge, and get the support of Mr. Huang Ge, Chen Shilang will naturally be able to express his ambitions. At that time, , let alone the position of minister, even joining the cabinet is not impossible."
Anyone can draw a pie, so Chen Dongxiang still just smiled and said nothing.
Seeing Chen Dongxiang like this, Huo Zhengyuan did not feel embarrassed and continued to smile: "There is a saying in official circles that the promotion of eight grades to seven grades, the fourth grade to three grades, and the third grade to two grades are the three thresholds for promotion of officials in the DPRK. These are Only when the eighth grade is promoted to the seventh grade can one truly control the real power. Only when the fourth grade is promoted to the third grade can one be considered to have entered the center. Only when the third grade is promoted to the second grade can one be considered to participate in the central decision-making and have a voice in the temple. Once these three hurdles are overcome, the road ahead will be smooth. But if you cannot overcome it, your lifetime achievements will be limited to this."
Seeing Chen Dongxiang nodding in agreement, Huo Zhengyuan sighed: "Speaking of which, Chen Shilang, you are now the minister of the Ministry of Industry and you are a third-rank official. You are stuck at the last hurdle. It seems to have been seven years. Although you are not too old. It is big, but it is difficult to say whether it can finally cross this threshold. In comparison, Zhao Shangshu of the Ministry of Revenue is only in his twenties, and he is already a second-rank official, which makes people look envious."
Hearing what Huo Zhengyuan said, although he knew that Huo Zhengyuan's purpose was to make him jealous of Zhao Junchen, Chen Dongxiang could not help but feel a trace of jealousy in his heart, and his expression changed slightly. However, this trace of jealousy was not enough to disturb Chen Dongxiang. His mind was filled with worry, so Chen Dongxiang just said slowly: "Master Zhao is deeply favored by the Holy Spirit, and he is so talented and capable that lower officials naturally dare not compare with him."
Seeing that Chen Dongxiang's expression finally changed, Huo Zhengyuan showed a smile in his eyes, but he sighed: "Even so, Chen Shilang's delay in promotion is still an insult to his ability, and it is also a loss to the court. , it’s just an official position of second grade or above. There are too many people in the court watching, and every carrot is one pitfall, but it is not possible to rise if you want to. But now, Zhao Junchen doesn’t know the heights of the sky, and he hastily made an enemy of Mr. Huangge. , but for Chen Shilang, it is not an opportunity."
"How do you say this, Master Huo?"
Chen Dongxiang finally stopped avoiding, looked at Huo Zhengyuan beside him with bright eyes, and responded directly.
Huo Zhengyuan's words were full of confusion, and he said: "I have already heard that, Minister Chen, you helped Zhao Junchen bring down the old man Wen Guanliang, and you have made outstanding achievements. Logically speaking, Zhao Junchen should give you a lot of help, Minister Chen." Rewards are the right thing to do, but Zhao Junchen is jealous of Chen Shilang's talents. He not only treats you coldly, Chen Shilang, but also suppresses you in every possible way. Now, although Chen Shilang is still one of Zhao Junchen's confidants on the surface, in fact you are already a close friend of Zhao Junchen. Jun Chen looks like a good person but looks very different. I wonder if what I said is right?"
Chen Dongxiang was silent again, but did not deny it.
But Huo Zhengyuan looked filled with indignation and sighed: "After hearing this situation, I really feel aggrieved for you, Mr. Chen, and you are now in an awkward position under Zhao Junchen. If you continue to stay, there are What do you mean? What's more, as I just said, this Zhao Junchen is using his power as a factory guard to make trouble in the government, and his reputation among the government and the public is in disrepute. He is destined to not end well in the future. As the saying goes, choose a good bird. Mu Erqi, Chen Shilang, why don't you consider changing your identity, abandoning Zhao Junchen and joining other factions in the court?"
After a pause, Huo Zhengyuan continued: "Mr. Huangge has long wanted to make friends with Chen Shilang, and now he is in a fight to the death with Zhao Junchen. At this time. If Chen Shilang, you can change sides in the battle and help Chen Shilang After overthrowing Zhao Junchen, how could Mr. Huang Ge treat you badly? This time I meet you. In fact, it was also under the instruction of Mr. Huang Ge. Mr. Huang Ge also promised that if you can help Mr. Huang Ge bring down Zhao Junchen, If you take Zuo Lanshan, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, then Mr. Huang Ge will try to protect your position as the Minister of the Ministry of Industry. If you can go one step further and directly help Mr. Huang Ge to overthrow Zhao Junchen, then Mr. Huang Ge will try to protect you as the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs. position!"
I heard the conditions offered by Huo Zhengyuan. Chen Dongxiang's eyes fluctuated slightly, and he seemed to be interested, but after pondering for a moment. But he still asked: "Zhao Junchen's means and vision are really something that no one dares to underestimate. Now he has a solid foundation in the court. Even if Mr. Huangge has my help, I'm afraid it will be difficult to overpower Zhao Junchen, right?" "
Huo Zhengyuan was full of confidence. He said: "Although you, Chen Shilang, have been treated coldly by Zhao Junchen, you have still been regarded as an official of Zhao Junchen's faction for this period of time. After all, Zhao Junchen still can't hide many things from you, right? In this way, there are With the power and influence of Mr. Huang Ge, and the fact that Zhao Junchen was caught off guard by Chen Shilang’s defection in battle, what is impossible?”
Seeing Chen Dongxiang pondering, he seemed to be hesitant. Huo Zhengyuan quickly said: "What's more, even if Chen Shilang turns to Mr. Huang Ge, we still can't do anything to get Zhao Junchen. Chen Shilang, you won't lose anything. Mr. Huang Ge will definitely try his best to ensure that you are worry-free. He will never Even if you, Chen Shilang, were suppressed and retaliated by Zhao Junchen, you would still be recommended by Chen Shilang. After all, after you, Chen Shilang, switched to Mr. Huang Ge, Mr. Huang Ge would have slapped Zhao Junchen in the face. How could Mr. Huang Ge give up on you? ?
In addition, I heard that when Zhao Junchen was wooing Chen Shilang, he sold some shares of Yuerongfang to Chen Shilang. If Chen Shilang switches to Huangge Lao, these shares may be taken back, and "Yerongfang" Although Fang's income is enviable, Mr. Huang Ge will never let Mr. Chen Shilang suffer. I heard that Chen Shilang's wife-in-law Ma Lin is the magistrate of Yongping Mansion. As long as Mr. Chen Shilang agrees to switch to Mr. Huang Ge, Mr. Huang Ge will He immediately recommended Ma Lin as the deputy envoy of the Capital Transport Salt Envoy Department. Chen Shilang, as you know, the capital of the Capital Transport Salt Envoy Department is much greater than some shares of Yuerongfang. "
After hearing what Huo Zhengyuan said, Chen Dongxiang raised his head and glanced at Huo Zhengyuan. He saw that Huo Zhengyuan looked serious but full of confidence. He had obviously pushed Huang Yourong's bottom line towards him, and he couldn't help but reveal a thoughtful look in his eyes.
——No matter whether he succeeds or fails, Huang Yourong will recommend Chen Dongxiang in the court and guarantee that Chen Dongxiang will not be suppressed and retaliated by Zhao Junchen. In addition, he will also recommend Chen Dongxiang’s wife and uncle to serve as a fat official in the Salt Transport Department; if he can successfully overthrow Zhao Junchen or Zhao Junchen, Junchen's right-hand man Zuo Lanshan will also try to ensure that Chen Dongxiang takes over the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Industry.
Considering Chen Dongxiang's embarrassing position under Zhao Junchen, this bribery condition is generous enough, but there is no reason why Chen Dongxiang won't be tempted.
However, Chen Dongxiang still had some considerations of his own, but he was not willing to switch to Huang Yourong easily.
So, after thinking for a moment, Chen Dongxiang said to Huo Zhengyuan: "This matter is really important. I wonder if Master Huo can allow me some time to think about it? But please rest assured, Master Huo, this period of time will not be too long. No matter what the outcome, I will I’ll let you know before tomorrow morning.”
Chen Dongxiang's statement made Huo Zhengyuan a little dissatisfied. In Huo Zhengyuan's view, it was a bit disrespectful to accept such generous terms and personally invite him, but Chen Dongxiang was still hesitant.
However, at this time, Huo Zhengyuan was naturally unwilling to fall out with Chen Dongxiang, not to mention Chen Dongxiang's statement, which proved that he was already tempted, so he still suppressed his dissatisfaction and said with a smile: "Of course it doesn't matter, but please let Chen Mr. Huang, please consider this seriously and don’t betray the sincerity of Mr. Huang Ge and me.”
As Chen Dongxiang's eyes changed, he nodded and said solemnly: "Of course it is."
Next, while Huo Zhengyuan was greeting him, the two of them started to eat with chopsticks. During the meal, Huo Zhengyuan still made hints of encouragement from time to time, but Chen Dongxiang did not answer much, but his attitude towards Huo Zhengyuan was closer than at the beginning. A lot.
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In this way, as the banquet ended, the negotiation between Huo Zhengyuan and Chen Dongxiang finally came to an end.
Although there was no result, the two of them already knew each other's attitudes and bottom lines.
In particular, Huo Zhengyuan's attitude has been made clear, and the next step is Chen Dongxiang's position choice after careful consideration.
However, Huo Zhengyuan is full of confidence in this. In Huo Zhengyuan's view, Chen Dongxiang is already tempted, but he just can't make up his mind yet.
However, it was said that after the banquet, Chen Dongxiang left Yue Ke Lai Restaurant first, then returned to his residence in a carriage. After changing his official uniform, he changed to a sedan and chariot to go to the Yamen of the Ministry of Industry for work.
Although Chen Dongxiang was hesitating in his mind whether to really betray Zhao Junchen and turn to Huang Yourong, he was quite sophisticated, and ordinary people could not see the change in his expression since he left Yue Ke Lai Restaurant.
However, when Chen Dongxiang was hesitating about his next choice, he did not expect that the carriage driver he followed when he went to Yue Ke Lai Inn would quietly leave the house quickly after Chen Dongxiang left the house, and then headed towards the west of the city. direction.
People in Chen Dongxiang's mansion are not surprised by this. This coachman is a believer in the newly established Tongji Temple in Beijing, and the west of the capital is where the Tongji Temple is located!
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ps: The third update today is a 5,000-word chapter. A total of 16,000 words have been updated today! More to come tomorrow! (To be continued...)
