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Next, Zhao Junchen talked with Zuo Lanshan about many things, but did not disclose the transaction between himself and Zhou Shangjing. [No pop-up novel website]
After all, fighting for Li Lide's position as Minister of the Ministry of Justice was something Zhao Junchen had originally promised, but because of this deal, he ended up breaking his promise and getting fat.
The promises made by politicians are one of the things that cannot be believed in the world, and now Zhao Junchen has already become a qualified politician! Breaking a promise, going back on one's promise, breaking an appointment, etc. are not a big deal to Zhao Junchen, but in any case, the less people know about this kind of thing, the better.
After the conversation, Zhao Junchen said goodbye to Zuo Lanshan and came to his sedan chair. Before Xu Qingyan could speak, he waved his hand and said: "Go back directly to the house... After returning to the house, send someone to Mr. Li Lide, the Minister of Criminal Affairs." Send a message and ask him to come to see me in the house. I have something to tell him... Well, by the way, I will also send a famous note to Qin Huaiyuan, the young minister of Dali Temple, saying that I invite him to get together at Shangxian Tower tonight. "
After Xu Qingyan agreed, Zhao Junchen sat in the sedan chair. After taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes slightly, thinking deeply.
There are so many things happening today, so numerous and continuous that it is dizzying to see.
In this way, Zhao Junchen also needs to carefully consider the trade-off between pros and cons.
…………
In the morning, Zhao Junchen and Huang Yourong "both lost" in the party struggle. This was part of Zhao Junchen's plan. The follow-up plan had already been prepared, and Zhao Junchen did not need to think more.
Then, Huang Yourong unexpectedly formed an alliance with Shen Changmao. Although this was a big event and had many subsequent impacts, it would not affect Zhao Junchen's real plan, so Zhao Junchen didn't care.
But then, under the order of Emperor Deqing, the elders of the cabinet and the six ministers gathered in the Yangxin Hall to decide the successors to the vacancies in the court. Among them, the two important positions of Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Minister of the Ministry of Industry have fallen into the hands of Zhou Shangjing's faction, which must attract Zhao Junchen's attention.
In particular, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Industry was actually taken over by Zhou Shangjing's disciple Ye Shanghong - plus the current left minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Ma Sen, was also a disciple of Zhou Shangjing - as a result. Zhao Junchen's basic territory in the court, whether it was the Yamen of the Ministry of Revenue or the Yamen of the Ministry of Works, had been hammered in by Zhou Shangjing. Faced with such a situation, Zhao Junchen naturally felt on pins and needles.
But on the other hand, the official department, which Zhou Shangjing regarded as forbidden, now also has Zhao Junchen's crony Liu Changan as the minister. I am afraid Zhou Shangjing is also swallowing this and can't bear it.
It can be said that under the clever arrangement of Emperor Deqing. The forces in the DPRK and China of Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing are now intertwined with each other, and conflicts of interest are inevitable. The subsequent partisan conflict is also inevitable, but it will happen sooner or later.
However. Conflict with Zhou Shangjing is by no means an easy and pleasant thing.
It's a pity that in official circles, people have no choice but to do what they want. Many times, Zhao Junchen has no choice.
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"Now it seems that although Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao have formed an alliance, Emperor Deqing still prefers me to check and balance Zhou Shangjing. After all, I have really shown my sharpness in recent times... Speaking of which, since I returned to Beijing Since then, he has avoided direct conflict with Zhou Shangjing, but now his power in the court has become more and more powerful. The conflict of interests with Zhou Shangjing has gradually become inevitable. In addition, Emperor Deqing has been mixing sand with each other. In the future, I'm afraid we can only be enemies rather than friends... However, the most important thing to consider at the moment is the marriage arranged by Emperor Deqing for me..."
Zhao Junchen thought secretly. murmured to himself.
Zhao Junchen couldn't help but frown slightly when he thought about his marriage choice.
Zhao Junchen did not expect that among the marriage partners chosen by Emperor Deqing for him, there would be the Chen family of the Duke of Jing!
But Chen Luoyi, the eldest daughter of Chen You, Duke of Jing, has already married the seventh prince Zhu Hejian!
In other words, if Zhao Junchen chooses to marry the Chen family of Duke Jing, then he and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian will become brothers-in-law! At that time, due to various standpoint considerations, Zhao Junchen could only choose to support the seventh prince Zhu Hejian on many issues, even if he was unwilling to do so!
During the ups and downs of the officialdom, Zhao Junchen had already become a "conspiracy theorist", believing that "there are no coincidences" and that "where interests exist, there must be conspiracy." Now the Chen family of Jingguo Gong appeared in the presence of Emperor Deqing. Among the names on the list, Zhao Junchen also believed that this was definitely not a coincidence, and that there must be a secret push from the seventh prince Zhu Hejian!
Obviously, this is another overture and bribe to Zhao Junchen from the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian!
However, it was difficult for Zhao Junchen to decide whether to accept Zhu Hejian's overtures and bribes. He only felt that the pros and cons were unpredictable.
According to Zhao Junchen's next plan, after the end of Emperor Deqing's southern tour, Prince Zhu Heyu will inevitably collapse, and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian is likely to become the new crown prince. If Zhao Junchen chooses to marry Duke Jingchen By marrying the seventh prince Zhu Hejian and becoming a brother-in-law, this relationship can greatly alleviate the seventh prince Zhu Hejian's precautions and concerns about Zhao Junchen in the future, and maybe he can also take the opportunity to clear his identity. , became an upright "direct descendant of the prince", and completely got rid of the fate of always taking the blame for the emperor and being abandoned by the emperor at any time.
This is the benefit of marrying the Chen family of Duke Jing.
However, while the benefits are tempting, the risks are greater.
The seventh prince Zhu Hejian is definitely an egoist who is ruthless and has full control over power. If Zhao Junchen's relationship with him is too close, the interests of both parties will inevitably gradually merge. At that time, Zhu Hejian will be extremely powerful. He may take the opportunity to join Zhao Junchen's faction. After the crown prince Zhu Heyu falls and Zhu Hejian becomes the new prince, Zhao Junchen will no longer be the only leader of the faction by virtue of his righteousness. It is very likely that Zhu Hejian will be ignored!
People like Zuo Lanshan, Zhan Shanchang and others seem to be loyal to Zhao Junchen now, but this is only because Zhao Junchen can bring them various benefits and can also protect them in the temple. However, if they have better I'm afraid there won't be much hesitation when abandoning Zhao Junchen!
After Zhao Junchen lost the support of factions and cronies, his influence in the court was greatly reduced. It is difficult to predict how Zhu Hejian will deal with Zhao Junchen at that time.
This is the hidden danger and disadvantage of marrying with the Chen family of the Duke of Jing!
so. Zhao Junchen was very hesitant about whether to marry the Chen family of Duke Jing.
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In addition to the Chen family of the Duke of Jing, the marriage options provided by Emperor Deqing to Zhao Junchen were the Su family of Su Changzhen, the governor of Southern Zhili, and the Cui family of the old Cui Mian of the front cabinet. Choosing to marry these two families also has its own pros and cons.
Although Su Changzhen, the governor of Southern Zhili, is old and is about to retire and return to his hometown, he has been a local feudal official for the past few years. His connections in various yamen cannot be underestimated, and he has always "helped relatives but not others". If Zhao Junchen chooses to marry him, it can greatly make up for Zhao Junchen's lack of connections and heritage, and Su Changzhen will definitely do his best to help Zhao Junchen expand his power.
However, Su Changzhen was not an upright official. In terms of reputation among the government and the public, it is probably not inferior to Zhao Junchen. If he chooses to marry Su Changzhen, then Zhao Junchen's reputation, which has finally improved slightly, may fall to the bottom again. This situation is something Zhao Junchen doesn't want to see.
What's more, in the officialdom, people are always tired of tea. Once Su Changzhen retires and returns to his hometown, it is still unknown how much the contacts he has accumulated can help Zhao Junchen.
As for Cui Mian, the old man in the front cabinet, although he has no ability. But he has always cherished his own life, and his reputation among the government and the public has always been very good, and his relationship with Qingliu in the court is also very good. If Zhao Junchen gets married to the Cui family, although this former cabinet minister will not take the initiative to help Zhao Junchen, he will not take the initiative to help Zhao Junchen. There will be no benefit from the expansion of power. But it can also indirectly help Zhao Junchen continue to improve his reputation.
“It’s really hard to make a choice, as each has its pros and cons. However, whether it is Chen You, the Duke of Jing, Cui Mian, the former cabinet minister, or Su Changzhen, the governor of Southern Zhili, my impression of them is just between the government and the public. I haven't really had any contact with them about the rumors. These pros and cons considerations now are a bit taken for granted. I am afraid that I will have to wait until the royal banquet three days later and have real contact with them before I can make a decision..."
After carefully considering the marriage lists provided by Emperor Deqing for him one by one, Zhao Junchen sighed softly.
While sighing, Zhao Junchen's sedan suddenly stopped, and then Xu Qingyan's voice sounded outside the sedan.
"Master, we are back home."
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After returning to the mansion, Zhao Junchen came to the study, but he had no intention of dealing with court affairs. He just continued to think about the changes in the situation in the court and his next marriage choice.
Between thinking, time always passes like water without realizing it.
About half an hour later, Xu Qingyan entered the study, interrupted Zhao Junchen's thoughts, and reported: "Master, according to your instructions, I have sent someone to call Mr. Li, the Minister of Punishment. He is now waiting in the living room. , do you want to see him now?"
After hearing what Xu Qingyan said, Zhao Junchen stood up and walked towards the living room first, saying: "Of course it's time to see him now. Mr. Li has a lot to do next, and we can't let him wait any longer... By the way, I asked you to send a famous invitation to Mr. Qin, the young minister of Dali Temple, and invite him to a banquet at Shangxian Tower tonight. Is this done?"
Xu Qingyan nodded and said: "It's done. I have also sent someone to Shangxian Tower to reserve a quiet private room and a fine banquet. I also sent someone to deliver the name card to the residence of Mr. Qin Huaiyuan, the young minister of Dali Temple. That person Mr. Qin also agreed to attend the banquet."
Zhao Junchen smiled and asked, "Oh? Qin Shaoqing agreed to attend the banquet so readily? I'm afraid not?"
Xu Qingyan frowned and replied: "He was a little hesitant at first, and even made excuses, saying that he had already made arrangements for tonight, but the person we sent insisted, and he couldn't be stubborn, so in the end he had no choice but to agree. Down."
As he spoke, Xu Qingyan's expression flashed with displeasure.
When Xu Qingyan thought about it, with Zhao Junchen's current status, personally inviting a mere young minister from Dali Temple to the banquet was already a huge honor, but this young minister from Dali Temple was still reluctant, which was really unreasonable.
However, Zhao Junchen looked very understanding and said quietly: "This Qin Huaiyuan is a rare centrist in the temple. His stance and attitude have always been neutral. He will not take refuge in anyone, and will never take the initiative to participate in party struggles... In This morning, he was willing to tell the truth for us. This was his limit. In the eyes of other factions in the court, his approach was already a tendency to move closer to me. At this time, he In order to continue to maintain his neutral position, he naturally doesn't want to have too much contact with me... However, now, he can't help it."
Xu Qingyan has always been full of confidence in Zhao Junchen's methods and scheming, and sneered: "It's natural, the young master can easily capture Qin Huaiyuan. Now, young master, if you want to take him for your own use, you will give him an advantage."
…………
And just as the two of them were talking, they arrived at the door of the living room of Zhao Mansion.
at this time. In the living room of the Zhao Mansion, Li Lide, the Minister of Punishment, was sitting in the guest seat, looking full of thoughts and worrying about gains and losses.
Li Lide naturally heard about the matter that Emperor Deqing summoned the elders of the cabinet and the six ministers to discuss today. And can also guess the reason.
Now that the meeting had just ended, Zhao Junchen summoned him to the mansion to meet. Li Lide must have come because of the vacancy of the Minister of Punishment.
Zhao Junchen has already promised to win the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice for him. If this comes true, it will be like a step to success for Li Lide, saving him more than ten years of hard work! But if the struggle fails. So the higher Li Lide's expectations have been these days, the greater the disappointment will be. At this time, Li Lide is naturally worried about gains and losses and feels uneasy.
Fortunately, the answer Zhao Junchen brought, although not what he was most looking forward to. But it's not the worst.
Seeing Zhao Junchen appear outside the living room door, Li Lide hurriedly stood up to respond. However, before he could salute Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen had already supported his arms.
Then, Li Lide heard Zhao Junchen sigh.
And with this sigh. Li Lide's heart also sank.
Then, Zhao Junchen's apology sounded in Li Lide's ears: "Master Li, I'm sorry, I promised to win the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice for you. However, due to the obstruction of other factions, I am afraid it will take several years to refuse this promise." Achieved."
Li Lide was full of disappointment, but he did not dare to show it in front of Zhao Junchen. After being helped up by Zhao Junchen, he just smiled bitterly and said: "This is not to blame Mr. Zhao, it is really that he is too junior to serve in the Ministry of Punishment in the past few years. I don’t have any great achievements, so I never dare to have too many hopes.”
After a pause, he thought that he would continue to serve in the Ministry of Punishment in the future, and he also needed to know his immediate boss in advance, so Li Lide asked again: "Master Zhao, I don't know who finally got the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment? Another one. Can the vacancy of Minister of Justice be filled?"
Zhao Junchen sighed again: "Zhang Bochong, a disciple of Zhou Shangjing and the former chief envoy of Shandong, became the new Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and the position of left minister of the Ministry of Punishment was taken by Lin Chengze, a disciple of Shen Changmao and the former governor of Henan... Hey, originally I wanted you to seize the time to make some political achievements while Feng Po was still the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and integrate the officials from the Yamen of the Ministry of Justice into your hands. By then, you would be the only candidate to succeed the Minister of the Ministry of Justice. But I didn't expect that His Majesty would suddenly ask Feng Po to retire and return home. After all, your current qualifications and achievements are slightly insufficient. As a result, all the factions in the court are opposed, and I can't help you more. .”
After hearing Zhao Junchen's answer, Li Lide's expression became even more bitter.
Over the years, although Li Lide was the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, he had been suppressed by another Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Yan Pengfei. Now he finally defeated Yan Pengfei, but he did not expect that Zhang Bochong and Lin Chengze would come again...
As far as Li Lide knows, Zhang Bochong and Lin Chengze are not good enemies, and they are both more difficult to deal with than Yan Pengfei. In the future, Li Lide's situation in the Criminal Department will probably be even more unbearable.
Thinking of this, Li Lide sighed: "Zhang Bochong, Lin Chengze... With these two people, I'm afraid it will be even more difficult for Xia Guan in the Ministry of Justice in the future..."
Zhao Junchen was "slightly startled", and seemed to have just remembered something, and said: "About this, it is not your turn to worry about Mr. Li. That is what Mr. Qin Huaiyuan will worry about next. Although I can't do it for you. Winning the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments is not a total loss. After Zhang Boxhong took over as Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments, I helped you win the vacant position of Shandong Chief Envoy."
After a pause, he glanced at the surprise on Li Lide's expression, and Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "In this way, although you will not be the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, you will also be a local feudal official, and you will be promoted from the third rank to the second rank. Taste."
Said. Zhao Junchen spoke firmly and added: "Since I have promised to fight for the position of Shangshu for you, I will not break my promise. I follow the rules of the Ming Dynasty. You also understand that if you want to become the Shangshu, you will eventually have to It is inevitable that you will have to go to the local level to practice for a few years. When you make some political achievements in the local area in the future, although it will be delayed for a few years, you will definitely have a seat among the six ministers."
Either promote first and then suppress, or suppress first and then promote. Even if it is the same thing, expressed in two different ways, you will always get different effects.
If Zhao Junchen saw Li Lide. He said directly, "Although I won the position of Chief Envoy of Shandong for you, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment fell into the hands of others." After being promoted first and then suppressed, Li Lide felt even a little comfort in his heart. But I'm afraid there will be more disappointment.
However, Zhao Junchen first explained that he had failed to win the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice for Li Lide. After waiting for Li Lide to be completely disappointed, he then stated that he had won the position of Shandong Chief Envoy for him. After suppressing first and then rising, Li Lide's mood at this time was filled with surprises.
Zhao Junchen's approach is obviously correct. After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Li Lide was stunned at first, and then he was overjoyed.
In a certain sense, although the position of chief envoy is far away from the center of the capital city, as a local feudal official, he has the pleasure of being decisive and decisive. But it is not something that the position of minister can satisfy.
Therefore, although he failed to get the expected Minister of Justice, Li Lide was still full of surprises and thanked Zhao Junchen repeatedly, although he was originally a little dissatisfied with Zhao Junchen's failure to fulfill his promise. All of a sudden, the time disappeared.
In the face of Li Lide's repeated thanks, Zhao Junchen naturally couldn't help being polite. After all the scenes were finished, Zhao Junchen and Li Lide finally took their seats respectively.
Then, Zhao Junchen explained to Li Lide in detail what was happening in the Yangxin Hall today, as well as the candidates to take over the vacancies in the court.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's explanation, Li Lide's thoughts were almost the same as Zhao Junchen's. He frowned and analyzed: "Sir, you are saying that not only the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice was obtained by Zhou Shangjing's group, but also the position of Minister of the Ministry of Industry was obtained by Zhou Shangjing's group. Did the doorman Ye Shanghong get it? This is not good! In addition to the current Minister of Household Affairs Ma Sen, the key yamen now in our hands, whether it is the Ministry of Industry or the Ministry of Household Affairs, already have people assigned by Zhou Shangjing, plus Master Liu Changan is currently serving in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and our forces and those of Zhou Shangjing are so mixed with each other that there may be conflicts in the future."
After careful consideration before, Zhao Junchen has now sorted out his thoughts, but he is not as worried as Li Lide. He said with a smile: "Although Zhou Shangjing's schemes and methods are terrible, I am not afraid of him. Since he is destined to have If there is a conflict, then it is better to take advantage of each other. In fact, this situation is much better than the two sides being ambiguous and enemies. At least the positions of both parties are clear, so that the enemies and friends are not unclear. As for Zhou Shangjing’s placement in the Ministry of Household Affairs and the I already have a way to deal with those two nails in the Ministry of Works, and you don’t have to worry about it since you have to take up a local post again.”
At this point, Zhao Junchen changed the topic and said: "However, now I need your help in another matter."
"I don't know what's going on? Just ask Mr. Zhao for instructions."
"After you become the Chief Envoy of Shandong, your original business operations in the Ministry of Justice will inevitably be divided up by Zhou Shangjing and Shen Changmao. This is something I don't want to see. So I plan to recruit the newly appointed Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice Qin Huaiyuan. For your own use, so that your operations in the Criminal Department can be maintained, and the influence of our faction in the Three Laws Department will not be greatly reduced. But if we want Qin Huaiyuan to be willing to join us, we still need Mr. Li to speak on the side. item."
Li Lide suddenly realized, and couldn't help but admire Zhao Junchen's thoughtfulness, and quickly responded: "Master Zhao is saying that the subordinates must do their best to advocate for you, but I don't know what your plans and arrangements are for this? When will we meet with you?" Meet Mr. Qin?"
Zhao Junchen raised his head and looked at the sky outside the living room door, but saw that the sun was already setting in the west. He smiled and said, "I have asked him to meet at Shangxian Building tonight. It's almost time. Let's go now."
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On the way, Zhao Junchen and Li Lide abandoned their sedan chairs and rode in a carriage together, taking the opportunity to discuss matters in the carriage.
In the carriage, Zhao Junchen carefully told Li Lide what he needed to pay attention to after he went to Shandong, and the importance of these things for Zhao Junchen's group to accumulate contacts and foundation. Naturally, Li Lide did not dare to neglect Zhao Junchen's instructions and took them all seriously. Keep it in mind.
After everything was discussed, the carriage arrived at the door of Shangxian Tower.
Because the private room and banquet were booked in advance. The shopkeeper and the clerks of Shangxian Building have been waiting for them for a long time. When they saw Zhao Junchen and Li Lide appear, they all greeted them with faces full of fawning.
Zhao Junchen often comes to Shangxian Tower and is acquainted with the shopkeeper of Shangxian Tower. After getting off the carriage, he didn't say much nonsense and just asked: "Dali Temple Young Minister Qin Huaiyuan, Lord Qin, has he arrived?"
The shopkeeper nodded repeatedly and said, "In response to Mr. Zhao, Mr. Qin has just arrived and is now waiting in the private room upstairs."
As he spoke, the shopkeeper couldn't help but feel strange.
The news of Qin Huaiyuan's promotion to the Minister of Justice will have to wait until tomorrow morning to be announced at the court meeting. Now, except for a few people, the government and the public have not received the news. In the eyes of the shopkeeper. Qin Huaiyuan is still only a fourth-rank Shaoqing of Dali Temple. Both Zhao Junchen and Li Lide have higher official ranks than him.
Now that Zhao Junchen and Li Lide appeared, Qin Huaiyuan should at least wait downstairs to greet them, but Qin Huaiyuan only waited in the private room. This will inevitably lead to a loss of respect and etiquette. Aren't they afraid that Zhao Junchen and Li Lide will be unhappy and secretly retaliate?
Although the shopkeeper of Shangxian Building felt strange, Zhao Junchen and Li Lide could understand Qin Huaiyuan's thoughts - Qin Huaiyuan was worried that too many people would see him with Zhao Junchen and mistakenly think that he had really taken refuge with Zhao Junchen. They were trying to avoid suspicion—so they weren’t surprised, they just looked at each other and smiled together. Then they walked towards Shangxian Building together.
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After being led to the second floor of Shangxian Building by the shopkeeper, Zhao Junchen looked up and saw Qin Huaiyuan waiting outside the private room with his head bowed.
Qin Huaiyuan also knew that it was disrespectful for him to wait here, so after seeing Zhao Junchen and Li Lide, he quickly apologized and said: "I only knew about the arrival of Zhao Shangshu and Li Shilang, and I missed the welcome. I hope you two Your Majesty, please forgive me."
After hearing Qin Huaiyuan's words, the shopkeeper of Shangxian Building opened his mouth to speak, but in the end he lowered his head and said nothing - in fact, after he saw Zhao Junchen's carriage appearing on the street from a distance, he sent a clerk to notify Qin Huaiyuan. Qin Huaiyuan's words were obviously shirking responsibility. But the shopkeeper of Shangxianlou did not dare to offend Qin Huaiyuan, so he had no choice but to eat coptis.
Zhao Junchen waved and smiled: "It doesn't matter. We have a deep friendship as colleagues in the DPRK and China. Now we are just getting together in private, so you don't need to worry about these etiquettes."
Li Lide also nodded and said with a smile: "Yes, we are all our own people, Master Qin, there is no need to be polite."
Hearing the word "one of our own" in Li Lide's mouth, Qin Huaiyuan's expression changed slightly, but he did not answer. He just extended his hand and invited Zhao Junchen and Li Lide to enter the private room to talk.
After the three people entered the private room and sat down, they did not talk about the main topic at first, but were polite to each other. It was not until the dishes were served and all the shopkeepers in Shangxian Building left that Zhao Junchen picked up the wine glass and said with a smile: " There are three reasons why I invited Mr. Qin to the Shangxian Tower for a banquet today."
Qin Huaiyuan said quickly: "Please give me some advice, Master Shangshu."
Zhao Junchen saluted Qin Huaiyuan with the wine glass in his hand and said, "The first reason is to thank Mr. Qin for your upright speech in the morning. If it weren't for Mr. Qin who said what Yan Pengfei and Liu Quanan were doing, I am afraid that I will be framed today for my coercive remarks during the trial. In this case, Mr. Qin, you have been very kind to me, so I naturally have to thank you."
What exactly happened in the morning this morning? Others don't know the inside story, but Qin Huaiyuan can guess a little, so how can he dare to accept Zhao Junchen's "thank you"? He quickly waved his hand and said: "Master Shangshu, you are serious! As the saying goes, the pure will self-purify. Even if you don't have me, sir, those young people will never be able to frame you in the slightest. What's more, the official is just telling the truth, so how dare you? Taking credit? Sir, you are really exaggerating."
Zhao Junchen smiled and did not refute, but drank the wine in one gulp. Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Qin Huaiyuan did not dare to neglect, and quickly followed suit.
Li Lide on the side helped the two of them fill the wine glasses again.
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the wine glass again and said: "As for the second reason, Mr. Li Lide has been trusted by His Majesty and recommended by his own officials. Now he has been promoted to the post of Chief Envoy of Shandong, so he took advantage of the opportunity. This opportunity is also to express congratulations to Mr. Li."
Qin Huaiyuan is a centrist. There are no friends or backers in the court, and naturally the news is not well-informed. I don't know about the discussion between the elders and the six ministers this afternoon in the Yangxin Hall, let alone the news about Li Lide being promoted to the chief envoy of Shandong. Now after hearing what Zhao Junchen said, he couldn't help but be surprised.
Then, with a little envy, Qin Huaiyuan also quickly raised his wine glass, paid respect to Li Lide like Zhao Junchen, and said: "Congratulations to Mr. Li. Although there is only one level difference between the third grade and the second grade, there are many differences. Even if officials have been in business for more than ten years, they are still unable to get promoted. Now Mr. Li has been promoted to the Chief Envoy of Shandong. But I don’t know how many people will envy him. It is just around the corner to return to the center of the imperial court and serve as the six ministers in the future. "
Li Lide raised his glass in return, but glanced at Zhao Junchen again, half-smiling. He hinted: "Haha, I have the protection and support of Mr. Zhao in the court, but this thing is nothing, nothing."
After the three of them had another drink, Zhao Junchen did not say the third reason, but just looked at Qin Huaiyuan with a smile.
On the contrary, Li Lide suddenly changed the subject. Asked Qin Huaiyuan: "Speaking of which, how old is Mr. Qin now?"
Qin Huaiyuan was slightly startled, but still replied: "I have wasted my time and wasted my time. This year is already three out of four, and I am two years older than Mr. Li. It is a pity that my achievements are far less than those of Mr. Li. Of course, compared with Zhao Adults are even more incomparable."
Li Lide looked like he felt sorry for Qin Huaiyuan, and sighed: "With Master Qin's talent, he is still just a young minister of Dali Temple at such an age. It is really a bit unfair. However, in my opinion, this is also true." Mr. Qin, the reason is that you have been an official in the court for many years, and you have always been left alone. No one can support you, so your promotion has naturally been much slower."
Qin Huaiyuan could naturally understand Li Lide's hint, but he did not answer, just remained silent.
In fact, Qin Huaiyuan is not ignorant of the principle that "it is easier to get promoted if you have a backer." However, Qin Huaiyuan has always been unwilling to participate in party struggles. Although promotion will be slower without a backer, at least he can live a stable life.
Seeing that Qin Huaiyuan was just silent, Li Lide's eyes flashed with displeasure, but his expression remained gentle and polite: "But, although Mr. Qin, your temper has become a little more withdrawn, and no one has helped you over the years, but Mr. Zhao... I have always admired Mr. Qin's talents. He has said to me more than once that as long as there is an opportunity in the future, he will never wrong Mr. Qin. Mr. Zhao is a person who loves talents and keeps his word. Today we are here The third reason for getting together is to congratulate Mr. Qin on your promotion."
"Promotion? Me?" Qin Huaiyuan couldn't help but be stunned.
Zhao Junchen nodded with a smile, raised his glass for the third time, and said: "Today you and I are gathered here. The third reason is to congratulate Mr. Qin on your promotion. Today I recommend Mr. Li Lide to His Majesty." After serving as the Chief Envoy of Shandong, Mr. Li's original position as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice was vacant. Then I recommended to Your Majesty, Mr. Qin, that you take over the position of the Minister of Justice. Your Majesty also agreed and will wait until tomorrow morning to announce it. From now on, Mr. Qin, you will be the minister of punishment of the third rank of Zhongzheng, so I am here to congratulate Mr. Qin in advance."
And Li Lide also smiled and said: "Mr. Qin, you were envious of my rapid promotion just now, but my promotion from the third grade to the second grade was only one level, but Mr. Qin, after you got the recommendation of Mr. Zhao, you He was promoted from the fourth grade to the third grade, two levels in one breath, but it was much faster than me! Mr. Qin, you can have this opportunity, why don't you thank Mr. Zhao for your recommendation?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen and Li Lide singing together, Qin Huaiyuan didn't know whether he should be happy or worried for a moment!
It was certainly his dream to be promoted from the fourth-rank Shaoqing of Dali Temple to the third-rank minister of the Ministry of Justice.
However, in the early morning, he had just helped Zhao Junchen speak for him, and the next day he was promoted on the recommendation of Zhao Junchen. This situation would fall in the eyes of all the officials in the court, and they would definitely think that Qin Huaiyuan had taken refuge in Zhao Junchen! Next, it will be even more difficult for Qin Huaiyuan to defend himself and reiterate his neutral position.
Although his mood was complicated, Qin Huaiyuan still thanked Zhao Junchen and said, "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for your recommendation and promotion. I will never forget it!"
Zhao Junchen still smiled and said: "You're welcome, everyone will be one of our own from now on."
However, although he also knew that he would be regarded as Zhao Junchen's friend by the officials in the future, Qin Huaiyuan hesitated for a moment and still did not give a clear answer when he heard Zhao Junchen's word "one of his own".
After all, he couldn't make up his mind to join Zhao Junchen!
Next, on to the banquet. While pushing cups and changing cups, Zhao Junchen and Li Lide hinted at Qin Huaiyuan many words and promised Qin Huaiyuan many benefits, but Qin Huaiyuan never let go. It seemed that he had made up his mind that he would never take refuge in Zhao Junchen.
Gradually, anger flashed in Li Lide's eyes, and he felt that Qin Huaiyuan didn't know how to praise him.
However, just when Li Lide wanted to reprimand him outright, he restrained himself under Zhao Junchen's hint.
Facing Qin Huaiyuan's avoidance, Zhao Junchen still looked calm and gentle, seemingly unworried. And Li Lide was convinced of Zhao Junchen's methods. Seeing Zhao Junchen's expression, he also knew that Zhao Junchen must have other methods, and he was not afraid that he would not be able to conquer Qin Huaiyuan.
But what disappointed Li Lide was. Until the end of the banquet, Zhao Junchen did not use other methods, as if he had acquiesced in Qin Huaiyuan's uncooperative attitude.
However, after the banquet, Zhao Junchen seemed extremely enthusiastic. He insisted that Qin Huaiyuan take his carriage and take Qin Huaiyuan back home in person.
Faced with Zhao Junchen's stubbornness, Qin Huaiyuan could not persist and had no choice but to agree.
However, after getting on the carriage and chatting with Zhao Junchen and Li Lide in the carriage, Qin Huaiyuan did not notice it. The carriage did not drive directly towards his mansion, but took a long detour for some unknown reason.
When the carriage passed Tianhai Tower, it suddenly stopped.
Then, Xu Qingyan's voice sounded outside the carriage.
"Master, I saw Mr. Huang Yourong, Mr. Huang Ge, Mr. Shen Changmao, Mr. Zhang, and Mr. Lin Weilin, the Minister of Rites, outside the Tianhai Tower in front. Should we stop and say hello?"
Upon hearing Xu Qingyan's request, Qin Huaiyuan's expression suddenly changed.
Li Lide, on the other hand, smiled knowingly and finally understood Zhao Junchen's plan.
It turns out that Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, the two pavilion elders, have formed an alliance today. But after all, it was only the decision of the two of them, and their cronies and disciples were not involved.
Therefore, tonight in the evening, officials from the two factions, led by two pavilion elders, gathered at Tianhai Tower for a banquet. Firstly, it was an alliance ceremony. Secondly, it was also for the officials from the two factions to get to know each other. From now on, they can A pleasure to work with.
When Zhao Junchen's carriage passed by Tianhai Tower, the party was about to disperse - in fact, Zhao Junchen passed by here at the right time - so he happened to meet Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others outside Tianhai Tower.
After hearing Xu Qingyan's request, Zhao Junchen said without waiting for Qin Huaiyuan's reply: "Mr. Huang Ge and Mr. Shen Ge are superior officials and seniors. How can they pass by without saying hello? Stop the car and let Mr. Li and I, Master Qin, please say hello to the two pavilion elders together."
On the other side, Li Lide also took Qin Huaiyuan's arm and said with a smile: "This is exactly the reason. Mr. Qin, you and I can go with Mr. Zhao."
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Although Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others did not recognize Zhao Junchen's carriage, they could still recognize Xu Qingyan who was driving the carriage outside and knew that Xu Qingyan was Zhao Junchen's long-term attendant.
Therefore, when Zhao Junchen's carriage stopped, they also knew that Zhao Junchen would appear, so they all waited with different expressions.
When Zhao Junchen, Li Lide, and the reluctant Qin Huaiyuan got off the carriage, led by Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, many officials from the two groups focused their attention on Qin Huaiyuan.
First, Qin Huaiyuan went to the court to speak for Zhao Junchen, then in the afternoon Zhao Junchen recommended Qin Huaiyuan to Emperor Deqing, and now Zhao Junchen and Qin Huaiyuan appeared together... All these things, in the eyes of officials from Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, Come on, Qin Huaiyuan must have taken refuge in Zhao Junchen.
Among them, many officials under Huang Yourong's sect looked at Qin Huaiyuan even more at this time, thinking that if it hadn't been for Qin Huaiyuan's words in the morning, Yan Pengfei and Liu Quaanan might not have been detained for interrogation. Hate.
Under the gaze of everyone, Qin Huaiyuan felt like he was sweating like rain.
"Your Majesty Zhao Junchen, I have met Mr. Huang Ge, Mr. Shen Ge, and all my colleagues." Zhao Junchen's expression did not change, and he just said hello politely.
Huang Yourong still looks like a laughed tiger, but his eyes are getting colder: "Oh? Zhao Shangshu also dinner outside? Is it a coincidence ... Hey? Qin Shaoqing is also together? Oh, it should be called Qin Shaoqing as Qin Shilang. Zhao Shangshu's relationship is so close. No wonder Zhao Shangshu will recommend this afternoon in front of His Majesty ... No wonder ... "
Speaking of the later, Huang Yourong's words were extremely cold.
On the other side, Shen Changmao frowned and looked at Qin Huaiyuan a few times, but he said nothing, but just hummed.
…………
After saying hello to Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others, Zhao Junchen took Qin Huaiyuan and Li Lide back to the carriage.
Just after entering the compartment, Qin Huaiyuan suddenly arched Zhao Junchen, and said astringent: "From now on, the lower official must be with Master Zhao.
Qin Huaiyuan has wanted to understand. To this day, he has rely on Zhao Junchen in the eyes of the two officials, especially Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, especially Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao. If he did not rely on Zhao Junchen at this time, he refused Zhao Junchen for thousands of miles away, and he would be afraid to offend Zhao Junchen again!
At that time, he was suppressed by Zhao Junchen, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, and no one could protect him, and he was afraid that he would die without burial!
In this way, he can only really rely on Zhao Junchen. At least he can not care about the next suppression and retaliation, and he can get a momentary stability!
So he has no choice!
After hearing Qin Huaiyuan's words, Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "We are all ourselves, everything should be."
On the other side, Li Lide pulled out a contract from his sleeves -this was given by Zhao Junchen to him beforehand -and handed it to Qin Huaiyuan, and he laughed: "From now on, we are really our own. The contract is the "Yue Rongfang" shares of Master Zhao. All officials who are close to the DPRK and China are the hands. Now, since Master Qin has become his own, it is natural. "
Having said that, Li Lide worsened, and added: "In the future, Master Qin understands that as long as it follows Master Zhao, the benefits will be more than just that!"
How much benefits of "Yue Rongfang" are naturally heard of Qin Huaiyuan -today's "Yue Rongfang" has been driving north of the river, and there are thousands of silver earnings every day.
Now that Li Lide has handed over his shares to his own hands, and then hearing Li Lide's hints, Qin Huaiyuan, who had already felt persecution and grievance, suddenly felt that maybe it was not so unacceptable to rely on Zhao Junchen.
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PS: These days, I have been considering the hostess and the plot, and also refer to many masterpieces. "Plot", after all, if you can't accept what you write, how can you make readers like it?
The next plot, please wait and see.
