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Wenyuan Pavilion is located in the east of the Forbidden City. It is small in scale and simple in decoration, so it does not look conspicuous.
However, this place was the core of power in the Ming Dynasty. It was the place where the cabinet ministers usually discussed and voted for government affairs. Countless officials regarded entering Wenyuan Pavilion as their highest ambition in life.
Since Shen Changmao became the chief minister of the cabinet, he has always liked to work and discuss affairs in Wenyuan Pavilion. He is always the first to come and the last to leave. He is obsessed with the feeling of becoming the master of Wenyuan Pavilion, which makes him have a good feeling. He has the illusion that the world situation is under his control - whenever he presides over the political discussions among the elders of the Wenyuan Pavilion, he sees the decrees that are related to the fate of countless people being drafted by himself, watching the power Zhou Shangjing, who is in charge of the government and the public, also needs to consult his own opinion on everything. Seeing countless officials follow his lead, Shen Changmao will get endless satisfaction, and he will be addicted to this sense of satisfaction and cannot extricate himself.
As the saying goes, "A man cannot live without power for a day." This is the temptation of power, and its effect is stronger than drug addiction.
Therefore, when the news of Zhao Junchen's assassination came, the cabinet was also shocked. Zhou Shangjing immediately left Wenyuan Pavilion and returned to his own house to take charge. Cheng Yuandao also left Wenyuan Pavilion and hurried to the East Palace to report to Prince Zhu. He Yu reported the news, but only Shen Changmao remained in Wenyuan Pavilion and refused to leave. Huang Yourong was now obedient to Shen Changmao, so naturally he also stayed in Wenyuan Pavilion.
*
Wenyuan Pavilion is located in the palace, and it is very inconvenient to pass news. Although Shen Changmao paid close attention to the assassination of Zhao Junchen, he inevitably received the news a step later, and his response was slower. shoot.
"So, although Zhao Junchen was assassinated, he was not killed or even injured?"
In Wenyuan Pavilion, after Shen Changmao received the detailed news of Zhao Junchen's assassination and learned that Zhao Junchen was safe and sound, a trace of disappointment flashed across his expression.
On the side, Huang Yourong also had a similar expression.
After learning about Zhao Junchen's assassination, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were a little excited at first. They felt that if Zhao Junchen died, they would have one less troublesome person to worry about, and many obstacles would be reduced in the future. The expression is serious, but in the heart there is some gloating.
However, when the Shaobao Zhao Zhenghe reported the detailed information of Zhao Junchen's assassination to the two of them, they found that Zhao Junchen was safe and sound. Naturally, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were disappointed, and they only felt that "the harm will last for thousands of years."
After Zhao Zhenghe saw Shen Changmao's disappointed expression, he also sighed: "I heard that it was Cui Qianxue, the granddaughter of the former Cui Mian, who blocked Zhao Junchen's fatal knife, so Cui Qianxue's current injury is quite serious, but Zhao Junchen It was unscathed.”
Huang Yourong snorted softly and said: "Cui Mian, this old guy, has always been self-righteous. I didn't expect that his granddaughter would get entangled with someone like Zhao Junchen. She was even willing to block the knife and die for Zhao Junchen. I really didn't know that Cui Mian would get entangled with someone like Zhao Junchen." I wonder how he educates his children and grandchildren in daily life!"
Shen Changmao also shook his head: "Zhao Junchen is a lucky man. He was able to escape even after being assassinated alone. Otherwise..."
As he said this, Shen Changmao's expression became even more regretful.
Seeing that Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong were only obsessed with Zhao Junchen's life and death, but did not care at all about the details of the matter, or even the identity of the murderer, Zhao Zhenghe couldn't help but feel a little anxious, and quickly reminded: "Senior Chief Shen. Fu, Mr. Huang Ge, according to the official’s opinion, the focus of this matter now is not Zhao Junchen’s life or death, but a rumor that suddenly appeared in the market after Zhao Junchen was assassinated!”
Seeing Zhao Zhenghe's solemn expression, Shen Changmao frowned and asked, "Oh? What kind of rumor? You pay so much attention to it?"
Zhao Zhenghe raised his head slightly and glanced at Shen Changmao, and then said in a cautious tone: "After Zhao Junchen was assassinated, rumors suddenly spread throughout the capital, and they were so serious that they caused a lot of discussion between the government and the public...According to what was said in the rumors , the murderer who assassinated Zhao Junchen was ordered by you, Shen Shoufu, because you had a political disagreement with Zhao Junchen, and you were deliberately humiliated by Zhao Junchen yesterday. Your attempt to retaliate against Zhao Junchen this morning failed, but instead You were reprimanded by His Majesty, so you became angry and sent an assassin to kill Zhao Junchen..."
"What!?" After hearing Zhao Zhenghe's explanation, Shen Changmao stood up immediately, his expression changed drastically.
This rumor is too vicious. If you let it spread everywhere, then you will really think that "the crotch is stained with yellow mud, which is either shit or shit."
What's even more frightening is that the content of this rumor is quite confusing - Shen Changmao is indeed at odds with Zhao Junchen's political views, and the two did have a conflict yesterday, and Shen Changmao is determined to retaliate. It is well known to the world - I am afraid that many people will believe it to be true!
However, if more and more people believe this rumor, Shen Changmao's reputation will inevitably plummet, arouse the hostility of all officials, and Emperor Deqing will also be suspicious. At that time, Shen Changmao will be in court It was difficult to move forward.
On the side, Huang Yourong also quickly reminded: "Shen Shoufu, we must do something now. We must not allow such rumors to spread everywhere, otherwise there will be endless troubles!"
Shen Changmao's expression was solemn, and after pondering for a moment, he ordered Zhao Zhenghe: "Immediately, in the name of the cabinet, urge the Shuntian Prefecture and the Sanfa Division to arrest the murderer and solve the case as soon as possible. At the same time, let our people do their best to investigate the truth of the rumors. We must find out the person behind the rumors..."
After Zhao Zhenghe agreed, Shen Changmao hesitated again, but stood up again and said: "Also, Zhao Junchen is an important minister of the imperial court. After being assassinated, he must have lingering fears. As the chief minister of the cabinet, I also You should go to visit and express condolences, take the opportunity to express your position, and use your own actions to dispel the rumors..."
After saying that, Shen Changmao turned to look at Huang Yourong and asked, "Mr. Huang Ge, do you want to go with me?"
Huang Yourong knew that Shen Changmao couldn't bear to see Zhao Junchen alone, so he had to accompany him.
To be honest, Huang Yourong hated Zhao Junchen extremely, and he really didn't want to go to express condolences to Zhao Junchen. But now he didn't dare to go against Shen Changmao's opinion, so he hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Of course we will go together. !”
In this way, Shen Changmao finally left Wenyuan Pavilion, which he was reluctant to leave, and went to look for Zhao Junchen.
*
At the same time that Shen Changmao and others left Wenyuan Pavilion, in the Prince's East Palace, everyone in the "Princeling Party" was also discussing the assassination of Zhao Junchen.
"Princelings" have always claimed to be fair and pursue order, but when they encounter problems, they will inevitably adhere to double standards.
For example, they have always despised conspiracy and calculation, and believed that court officials should be aboveboard. Conspiracy and calculation were the exclusive domain of corrupt officials. However, during Emperor Deqing's southern tour, they also used the same method after receiving the help of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian. Conspiracies and calculations made Huang Yourong anxious and at a loss. At that time, not only did they not feel ashamed, but they were elated and triumphant. They also praised him as "repaying others for their own treatment."
For another example, they have always claimed to be selfless and noble in character, and believe that forming parties for selfish interests and fighting for power and profit are completely contrary to the principles of courtiers. However, when the parties criticize them, they also do not give in and fight everywhere. They just wear a "for They believe that their formation of cliques to fight for power benefits the people, while other people's cliques to fight for power are harmful to the country and the people.
Between different standards, the "princelings" switched so naturally that they never noticed anything wrong.
In fact, whether it is conspiracy or cliques to fight for power, it is just a method. There is no difference between justice and evil. However, since ancient times, the Qingliu people have been using these methods to prevent others from using these methods because they are not good at it. The methods have been labeled as evil, but while they reject and despise them, they still find it difficult to escape from the mire. In order to justify themselves, they find many high-sounding excuses for themselves when using these methods, which inevitably attracts people. Laughed.
Today, the same is true.
In broad daylight, an important official of the imperial court was assassinated near the busy city at the feet of the emperor. The nature of this kind of thing is extremely bad. If it were normal, the "princelings" would have been filled with righteous indignation and couldn't wait to demand justice... But if the person who was assassinated was... It was Zhao Junchen, the political enemy of the "princelings" and the notorious corrupt official. Everyone in the "princelings" had a different mood.
Therefore, after learning the details of Zhao Junchen’s assassination, it was discovered that Zhao Junchen was actually unscathed after the assassination. The mood of the "princeling" officials was somewhat similar to that of Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong. They all thought that God was blind, like Zhao Junchen. It is a great misfortune that a corrupt official like Junchen could escape with his life!
"It can be seen that Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official, has now been accused by thousands of people and has been widely complained by the people. That's why some righteous people have taken action to eliminate harm for the people! Unfortunately, the success fell short, and Zhao Junchen escaped with his life in the end. , which makes people sigh with regret!”
As he spoke, Lu Chunxiao had a look of regret on his face, but he could not wait to confirm the assassination of Zhao Junchen.
As Lu Chunxiao's words fell, the elder Cheng Yuandao also said: "Yes, if Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official, did not escape this disaster and was assassinated, then the situation in the court would inevitably be cleared up. From now on, we will work for the court and serve the people. When people ask for orders, it will be much smoother."
Chen Dongxiang sneered and said: "However, after Zhao Junchen has experienced this incident, he will also see the resentment of the people towards him. He will definitely be frightened and will be in panic all day long from now on."
After hearing Chen Dongxiang's guess, everyone in the "princeling party" smiled knowingly. Thinking of Zhao Junchen's worried look, they all felt that their grievances had been relieved.
However, after hearing the comments from the "princelings", Zhao Shancai frowned.
After Zhao Shancai learned about Zhao Junchen's assassination, he was also shocked. He did not expect that Zhao Junchen would encounter such a thing after being separated from him.
However, no matter how intelligent Zhao Shancai was, he would not have thought of the many coincidences involved, let alone that Zhao Junchen had blocked the disaster for him. He just vaguely felt that there was another hidden reason in this matter.
Compared to the "princelings", Zhao Shancai's stance was much more neutral and objective. After hearing the comments from the "princelings", Zhao Shancai immediately noticed something was wrong.
Originally, Zhao Shancai just remained silent and did not interrupt the excited discussion among the "princelings". However, when he saw that Prince Zhu and Yu also nodded in agreement, he finally couldn't hold it anymore and stood up and said, "Prince. Your Highness, seniors, please listen to what the students have to say."
Following Zhao Shancai's speech, everyone's eyes were focused on Zhao Shancai.
In the midst of everyone's attention, Zhao Shancai looked serious and said slowly: "Students believe that these words of seniors can be said here, but they must not be spread everywhere. After all, the court has its own laws and regulations. I As an important official of the imperial court, your top priority should be to uphold the court's laws and regulations. Now there are murderers who assassinate the court officials. Regardless of whether the court official is loyal or traitorous, innocent or corrupt, such behavior violates the court's laws and disciplines. Not only can we not defend the murderer, but we must act impartially and do our best to uphold the court's laws and regulations. Only in this way can we reflect our public spirit, otherwise we will not be able to convince others in the future, and may even arouse the resentment of officials!"
As he spoke, Zhao Shancai turned his attention to Prince Zhu Heyu and said: "Especially His Royal Highness, you are half king and half minister. To His Majesty, you are a minister. To all the officials, you are the future emperor. Zhao Junchen is your minister. Now that your minister has been assassinated, you must express your position and attitude. Not only must you severely condemn, but you must also urge the relevant yamen to solve the case as soon as possible. Only in this way will all the officials be convinced by His Highness. Your Majesty will see After His Highness’s attitude, I will definitely feel relieved.”
After hearing Zhao Shancai's suggestion, Prince Zhu Heyu hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and said: "Mr. Zhao is right. Although Zhao Junchen is a corrupt official, we cannot forget the court's laws and regulations. Please rest assured, sir, we are here." In the morning tomorrow, I will naturally act according to your husband's suggestion."
After all, although Prince Zhu Heyu was very hostile to Zhao Junchen, acting impartially and in compliance with court laws were Zhu Heyu's basic bottom line.
Seeing Prince Zhu Heyu nodding in agreement, Zhao Shancai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was really worried that the "princeling party" would be excited and excited and would defend Zhao Junchen's assassin in court tomorrow morning. If that happened, "Prince "The Party" will completely lose its foothold.
Then, Zhao Shan thought briefly for a moment, but said nothing more and just quietly stepped aside.
In Zhao Shancai's view, the assassination of Zhao Junchen is full of weirdness and will have many far-reaching impacts. However, with the current situation and strength of the "princeling party", it is not suitable for too much involvement, otherwise it will be easily taken advantage of.
However, in this matter, the "princelings" also have interests to gain.
For example, the location of Shuntian Fuyin!
This position is crucial. If Prince Zhu Heyu wants to successfully ascend the throne, he must control this position, and now is a great opportunity.
However, once the "princeling" plots the position of Shuntian Fuyin, he will inevitably become an enemy of Zhou Shangjing. If he wants to seize this key position without leaving any trace, it will take time and preparation.
Therefore, although many plans flashed through Zhao Shancai's mind, he did not explain them to everyone present, but just considered them secretly in his heart.
*
In this way, after learning about Zhao Junchen's assassination, all the forces in the DPRK and China had their own thoughts and plans, and they all had different intentions.
However, in this matter, all forces subconsciously ignored Cui Qianxue, who was seriously injured.
After all, Cui Qianxue is not a member of the imperial court, and her injury will not affect the situation in the imperial court. In this incident, Cui Qianxue's injury is just an insignificant footnote.
However, in the eyes of the major forces in the court, although Cui Qianxue was insignificant, in the eyes of Cui Qianxue's relatives, Cui Qianxue's injury was a huge matter!
In particular, in order to amplify the seriousness of his assassination, Zhao Junchen also deliberately exaggerated Cui Qianxue's injuries, claiming that Cui Qianxue was now in critical condition. When such rumors fell into the ears of Cui Qianxue's relatives, they naturally aroused great concern. of vibration.
After learning the detailed information about Zhao Junchen's assassination, the house of Cui Mian, the former cabinet minister, was in chaos.
Cui Mian's wife, Mrs. Cui Guo, has always loved Cui Qianxue, her precious granddaughter. After Cui Mian kicked Cui Qianxue out of the house, Cui Guo had a big quarrel with Cui Mian, and she has never given Cui Mian a good look. .
On this day, after hearing the news that Cui Qianxue was seriously injured and dying, Cui Guo passed out on the spot, causing a panic in the Cui family.
Cui Qianxue's uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters all had sad faces and were secretly anxious.
As for Cui Mian, the old man in the front cabinet, after learning about Cui Qianxue's injury, he was also secretly worried and anxious!
Cui Mian's love for Cui Qianxue is no less than that of Cui Guo. He was forced to drive Cui Qianxue out of the house for the sake of his family's reputation, but the pain, helplessness, and guilt in his heart were really difficult to express to others.
Now, after hearing the news that Cui Qianxue was dying, Cui Mian's first reaction was to visit and accompany Cui Qianxue. However, he personally kicked Cui Qianxue out of the house, and the two parties have severed the relationship. If he visits Cui Qianxue at this time, it will inevitably It will attract criticism, and all the efforts he has made in the past to protect his family's reputation will be in vain.
However, if he still abandons Cui Qianxue, he cannot bear the worry and torture in his heart.
Therefore, after the news that Cui Qianxue was dying came, Cui Mian had been shutting himself in the study, full of contradictions in his heart, not knowing what choice he should make.
In the end, thinking about Cui Qianxue's current experiences, he also has a great responsibility. If he hesitates again, he may not even see Cui Qianxue for the last time, and he will regret it for the rest of his life. Cui Mian gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind!
I saw Cui Mian walking quickly outside the study and calling loudly: "Prepare the sedan immediately, I want to go to Baoxing Pavilion!"
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ps: It’s still two chapters in one, 5,000 words! The status is gradually recovering, and there will be more updates tomorrow!
…(To be continued.).
