Chapter 22 The Beginning of the Storm (Part 1) Two-in-one Chapter
Before you know it, it's getting late, the moon is hanging on the branches, and the night sky is quiet. But for many people, tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.
………
In the main hall of the mansion of Zhou Shangjing, the chief minister of the cabinet, Zhou Shangjing is sitting at the main seat, slowly sipping tea.
In front of him, Song Qiwen, the Minister of Civil Affairs, was sitting beside him.
Among the important ministers of the Manchu Dynasty, Song Qiwen was relatively young, less than fifty, with elegant appearance and calm temperament. He was always the most valued by Zhou Shangjing.
As Zhou Shangjing's most capable general and confidant in the court, Song Qiwen was very loyal to Zhou Shangjing. In recent years, he has been firmly controlling the Ministry of Personnel, a crucial yamen, for Zhou Shangjing.
Over the years, no one can count clearly how many disciples and former officials of Zhou Shangjing have been appointed by the officials in the upper and lower dynasties, local centers, and various yamen.
Precisely because he had the staff at hand, Zhou Shangjing was able to deal with it calmly in the court. No matter how hard the other pavilion elders tried, they could not threaten his position.
The importance of Song Qiwen to Zhou Shangjing is self-evident, but in front of Zhou Shangjing, Song Qiwen had no intention of taking credit or being arrogant.
At this time, there was silence in the main hall. Zhou Shangjing was slowly sipping tea without saying a word, but Song Qiwen was not dissatisfied at all and just waited respectfully.
Because Song Qiwen knew that Zhou Shangjing was thinking about the problem.
After a long time, Zhou Shangjing slowly put down the tea cup in his hand and finally spoke.
"You have probably heard about what happened today, right?"
Song Qiwen nodded in agreement and said: "Yes, Zhao Junchen has created a substitute for soap locust, which seems to be called pancreatic acid. It is said that the profit prospects are quite promising. Now His Majesty has decreed that the inner treasury will be exclusively responsible for manufacturing it. Also The Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces was also closed in advance on Zhao Junchen's suggestion. Zhan Shanchang, who was originally the most suspected, escaped the disaster. Now, many people in the government are surprised by this incident. "
Zhou Shangjing smiled, with some admiration, and said slowly: "What Zhao Junchen has done these days has exceeded my expectations one after another. When he opened Yuerongfang, I thought it was just something to charm the eyes. , but I didn’t expect that he could really pull off the tricks. The Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces was also solved by him cleverly and calmly. Now, after this incident, many officials in the government have become stupid. , I want to take refuge in him.”
Song Qiwen shook his head disapprovingly and said: "Now the distribution of power in the temple, key yamen and key offices has long been stable. Even the prince Zhu Heyu can't interfere. Even if Zhao Junchen is involved in the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces, We have gained some reputation and have some followers, but we lack the background and the foundation is unstable. It is still very early for us to become successful."
Hearing what Song Qiwen said, Zhou Shangjing frowned slightly, but did not refute, but did not agree either.
Song Qiwen asked doubtfully: "But is that soap really that valuable? It is less than ten days before the bet between him and the prince ends. If he loses the bet, then all Zhao Junchen's hard work these days will be in vain. That’s all.”
Zhou Shangjing smiled faintly and said: "With bait, you don't have to worry about whether a big fish will take the bait. Zhao Junchen should win this bet."
After a pause, Zhou Shangjing said again: "I called you here at this time, not because of these things, but because I got the news that this evening, Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang met at Tianhai Tower, and the two sides broke down. Finally, Parted on bad terms.”
Song Qiwen was not surprised and chuckled: "This is a matter of course. Zhao Junchen protected Zhan Shanchang and took Tong Huan away, causing Wen Guanliang to lose face. How could Wen Guanliang be willing to give up? If neither of them would give in. , there will definitely be a dispute next.”
At this point, Song Qiwen's eyes flashed with enthusiasm, and he asked Zhou Shangjing for instructions: "As the saying goes, the fisherman wins when the clams in the river fight. Next, Wen Guanliang and Zhao Junchen will have an overt and covert fight. They both have no time to care about it. The opportunity is rare. If we find the right opportunity to strike, we might be able to gain a lot of benefits. Sir, what do you think?"
Hearing what Song Qiwen said, Zhou Shangjing's expression became a little more solemn. After a moment of silence, he said slowly: "I'm calling you here this time just to warn you that you have to restrain Wen Guanliang and Zhao Junchen in this fight. Our people must not get involved and let the two of them fight with each other."
Song Qiwen was stunned, wondering why Zhou Shangjing made such a decision, but he always obeyed Zhou Shangjing's advice. Although he was confused and a little unwilling, he still agreed.
Zhou Shangjing could clearly see Song Qiwen's doubts and unwillingness. A look of exhaustion flashed unnoticed on his old face. He sighed softly, but still explained: "I also know that this opportunity is rare. But compared to this, I want to take this opportunity to see some things clearly."
Song Qiwen did not ask further questions, but looked at Zhou Shangjing quietly, waiting for Zhou Shangjing to explain further.
Zhou Shangjing seemed to be preoccupied today, and after a moment of silence, he asked: "Qiwen, in your opinion, how does His Majesty view Zhao Junchen today?"
After Song Qiwen pondered for a moment, he replied: "There are rumors among the government and the public that Zhao Junchen is the illegitimate son of His Majesty. But in my opinion, Your Majesty will not care too much about this. Zhu Heyu is His Majesty's legitimate son, and even more legitimate Crown Prince, have been suppressed by His Majesty over the years, which shows that His Majesty does not take this kind of thing to heart."
Zhou Shangkang nodded and motioned for Song Qiwen to continue.
Song Qiwen continued: "However, Zhao Junchen has always been the most pleasing to His Majesty, and he always responds to His Majesty's requests. When it comes to financial management skills, he is unparalleled in the whole court. Since he took charge of the Ministry of Household Affairs, His Majesty rarely You are worried about Yinzi, and now you have gradually become inseparable from him. Perhaps this is why you are so fond of him, right?"
Zhou Shangjing sighed and said, "You are still a little too short-sighted in looking at things."
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Song Qiwen was slightly stunned, then bowed his head and said: "Please give me some instructions, Mr. Chief Assistant."
Zhou Shangjing said slowly: "You are short-sighted because you have underestimated the present His Majesty. The current His Majesty has been in power for more than thirty years. Although he has not achieved much, the situation in temples and localities has always been stable, which is rare. What's going on? If you read through history books, how many emperors have you seen who could do this?"
Seeing Song Qiwen's thoughtful expression, Zhou Shangjing added: "Your Majesty today is far inferior to the previous emperor when it comes to governing the country, but when it comes to controlling ministers and the emperor's mental skills, he is even better than the previous emperor. And the emperor's methods focus on balance. The harmony of the court and the integration of all officials are always the last things that emperors want to see. Only factions fighting and fighting to the death can make the country stable for the emperor. Why should I put these three mediocre people like Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong Stay in the cabinet? It is precisely because of this that it is easy to kill the three of them, but if you really do that, your majesty will definitely have trouble sleeping and eating, regard me as an enemy, and will try every means to deal with me."
At this point, Zhou Shangjing sighed quietly and continued: "However, Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong, despite your majesty's support and my tolerance, have been unable to achieve success. Now above the temple, it seems that they The three of them are on a par with me, but what is the actual situation? After such a long time, I am afraid that anyone with a discerning eye can see clearly, so how can it be hidden from His Majesty today?"
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Song Qiwen was shocked when he heard about the previous conversation, and asked incredulously: "Sir, Chief Assistant, you mean that your Majesty now intends to support Zhao Junchen to replace Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong to compete with Mr. Chief Assistant. contend?"
Zhou Shangjing shook his head and said in a deep voice: "I am not sure about this yet, it is just a guess. After all, Zhao Junchen is too young. In the eyes of His Majesty, he may not be able to take on such an important task. However, what happened today Things may seem ordinary, but if you think about it carefully, they are thought-provoking.”
Under Song Qiwen's puzzled gaze, Zhou Shangjing slowly explained: "Under Zhao Junchen's persuasion, His Majesty closed the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces in advance, thus saving Zhan Shanchang. This incident only happened in the afternoon. You It's normal for me to get the news, it's normal for me to get the news, it's normal for Wen Guanliang to get the news, but the current situation is that not only we people got the exact news, but in the middle of the afternoon, most of the people in the court got it. The exact news, by this time tomorrow, this matter will probably spread throughout the capital, the government and the public, Qiwen, who do you think would reveal such news?"
Song Qiwen was startled and said subconsciously: "Your Majesty..."
Zhou Shangding nodded and said in a deep voice: "Perhaps only His Majesty would do this kind of thing. He is increasing Zhao Junchen's reputation. This time Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang are fighting. The reason why I don't I want you to intervene because I want to see one thing clearly. Will Your Majesty be happy to see the outcome of this fight and help Zhao Junchen suppress Wen Guanliang? Or will he try his best to stop it and maintain the balance of power between the two sides? "
At this point, Song Qiwen had already figured it out and said: "If His Majesty is happy to see the results and helps Zhao Junchen suppress Wen Guanliang, then it will prove that the Chief Assistant's guess is correct. Your Majesty is not satisfied with the current situation in the DPRK and China. , prepare to support Zhao Junchen, replace Wen Guanliang, Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao, and compete with the Chief Assistant; if we try our best to stop it and maintain the balance of power between the two sides, then we are worrying too much."
After a pause, Song Qiwen continued: "However, in my opinion, the former is more likely. Your Majesty will never increase Zhao Junchen's reputation for no reason, and the whole court will find someone to replace Wen Guanliang." , Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others, although Zhao Junchen is still young, he is the best candidate. But there is no need to worry, the chief assistant. Zhao Junchen is just a kid from Huangkou, and his foundation is still shallow. Even if he gains power for a while, he is not the chief assistant. Your Lord’s opponent?”
Zhou Shangjing glanced at Song Qiwen and shook his head. A trace of disappointment flashed across his expression, but more of it was harshness and dissatisfaction.
Noticing Zhou Shangjing's expression, Song Qiwen knew that he must have thought wrong or said something wrong somewhere. He quickly lowered his head and said, "I'm a lowly official, please give me some advice from your chief assistant."
Zhou Shangjing frowned, stared at Song Qiwen for a long time, and then said slowly: "If you can only think of this, then don't think about any further development in the future, otherwise you will only harm others and yourself. The reason why I did what you did to Your Majesty I am doubtful and not sure because if His Majesty really intends to do this, then in his heart, I am afraid that he will already have the intention to kill Zhao Junchen in the future."
Song Qiwen was shocked. He was not stupid. After hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, after pondering for a moment, he understood what Zhou Shangjing meant, and a chill flashed across his expression.
Zhao Junchen is too young and can only be in charge of the household department. But if at such an age, his power in the court has grown, he has become his own faction, and can even compete with Zhou Shangjing, then in a few years, when Emperor Deqing dies and the new emperor succeeds, Zhao Junchen To what extent will his power expand? And how can the new emperor who succeeds to the throne secure his throne?
By that time, will this Ming Dynasty belong to the Zhu family? Or is it Zhao Junchen’s?
Regardless of whether Zhao Junchen is the illegitimate son of Emperor Deqing, his surname is Zhao and not Zhu.
Emperor Deqing could not have imagined this point.
Therefore, it is conceivable that the more Emperor Deqing will support Zhao Junchen in the next few days, the more it shows how determined Emperor Deqing is to kill Zhao Junchen
The emperor's mind is both unfathomable and ruthless. Although Zhao Junchen was Emperor Deqing's favorite, if it was for the sake of stability, Emperor Deqing would do anything.
However, at this moment, after Zhou Shangjing's reminder, Song Qiwen wanted to think more deeply.
This time, Zhao Junchen protected Zhan Shanchang, which made him famous among the corrupt officials in the Manchu Dynasty and gained prestige. However, the upright and virtuous officials in the Manchu Dynasty will hate Zhao Junchen even more because of this. It is conceivable that even if Zhao Junchen expands his power in the future, the officials who gather under him will only be corrupt and treacherous officials. As Zhao Junchen becomes more powerful in the court in the future, his reputation among the government and the public will become more and more disreputable. .
In this way, if Zhao Junchen can be killed and Zhao Junchen's party is eliminated in the future, no matter whether it is Emperor Deqing or the new emperor who succeeds, he will gain great reputation.
In addition, Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu are notorious rivals. Although Emperor Deqing has been suppressing Zhu Heyu and supporting Zhao Junchen for various reasons over the years, if he was doing so, he was secretly He had the intention to kill Zhao Junchen, so was he also determined about Zhu Heyu's succession?
After all, although Emperor Deqing did not like Zhu Heyu, Zhu Heyu was still the crown prince after all, and it was impossible for Emperor Deqing not to consider him.
The most important thing is that if Emperor Deqing really wants to support Zhao Junchen to compete with Zhou Shangjing, then in the final analysis, supporting Zhao Junchen is just a means, and Emperor Deqing's ultimate goal is to suppress Zhou Shangjing. Then, in the eyes of Emperor Deqing, How do you view Zhou Shangjing?
Thinking of this, as Zhou Shangjing's right-hand man, Song Qiwen felt a chill in his heart.
No wonder Zhou Shangjing was so cautious and didn't even bother to hinder Emperor Deqing's southern tour. It turned out that he still had such considerations
On the other side, Zhou Shangjing watched Song Qiwen's face change, knowing that Song Qiwen finally understood his thoughts, he sighed softly and said, "So, just wait and see what happens."
While speaking, Zhou Shangjing stood up tremblingly, turned around and walked towards the mansion. In the main hall, Song Qiwen was left alone with a cold look on his face.
