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During this period of time, the imperial court has been dealing with more and more important government affairs. With the tacit understanding of Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen and others, the major factions have also stopped fighting and criticizing, and all the officials are busy.
There are currently three most important matters for the imperial court, namely the arrangement of the Shaanxi-Gansu border defense, the purge of the Six Ministries in Nanjing, and the relief of disasters in various places.
These matters cannot be bypassed by the household department, so Zhao Junchen is also the busiest among the officials. Whether it is the logistics of the border defense military town, collecting evidence of crimes from the Six Ministries of Nanjing, or raising money and food to support disaster relief, all Zhao Junchen needs to personally intervene.
In addition, Zhao Junchen also attached great importance to the agricultural reform plan and spent a lot of effort on supervising and implementing it.
At the same time, Zhao Junchen's several plans to buy military towns, infiltrate the inner court, control local yamen, and manipulate merchants are also ongoing. Zhao Junchen also needs to personally monitor and control the overall direction.
Therefore, during this period of time, Zhao Junchen hardly even had time to rest. Often after he finally finished one thing, there were already two other things waiting for Zhao Junchen to deal with. It was an ugly hour every day before he could go to bed or work hard. I have to get up before, even when I am eating, I will be distracted by thinking about some public and private matters.
Fortunately, Zhao Junchen is still young. If such busyness fell on a few veterans, they would have already collapsed from exhaustion.
It can be said that since he came to this world, Zhao Junchen has never been as busy and tired as he was during this period.
However, although Zhao Junchen was physically and mentally exhausted, his mood was more exciting.
First of all, several of Zhao Junchen's plans were progressing smoothly. After a while, even Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing could not restrain Zhao Junchen's development. The stone that had been weighing on his heart for a long time was finally loosened a little, so Even though Zhao Junchen was extremely busy and exhausted, he felt much more relaxed after all.
Secondly, Zhao Junchen is not only busy with personal power now, but also working hard for the country and the people. This feeling is particularly different, and the sense of responsibility deep in his heart also makes Zhao Junchen full of motivation.
Finally, I have to say that power is the best aphrodisiac for men, making people addicted to it and unable to stop, as Zhao Junchen is now!
While busy, various plans were progressing in an orderly manner. Occasionally, some troubles would be encountered, but overall it was smooth. By the time the plans had generally achieved results, more than half a month had passed, and the time was already It's the beginning of August.
The marriage of Zhao Junchen and Cui Qianxue is scheduled for the seventh day of August.
It was the fifth day of August. At the court meeting on this day, Emperor Deqing and the officials discussed the progress and adjustments of several major court affairs. Seeing that everything was going well—at least it seemed to be going well—Emperor Deqing’s His expression was also very satisfied, and he was vaguely relaxed. To be honest, not only the officials were busy during this period, but even Emperor Deqing was not resting.
Then, Emperor Deqing remembered Zhao Junchen, the hero behind the scenes during this period, and turned to look at Zhao Junchen.
"Zhao Aiqing!"
Following Emperor Deqing's call, Zhao Junchen immediately stepped out of the queue and responded: "I am here!"
With a kind face, Emperor Deqing nodded and praised Zhao Junchen: "Since this period of time, most of the government affairs of the imperial court are related to you, and you have handled them well. It is really a blessing."
Zhao Junchen bowed his head and said: "I don't feel happy at all to serve the imperial court and share your Majesty's worries!"
Emperor Deqing suddenly asked: "Speaking of which, I remember that your marriage to Cui Qianxue is scheduled for the seventh day of August, which is the day after tomorrow, right?"
Zhao Junchen was slightly startled. He did not expect Emperor Deqing to suddenly mention his marriage, but he soon understood that Emperor Deqing was trying to win over him.
During this period of time, Zhao Junchen has handled all kinds of things in an orderly manner. Zhao Junchen is definitely taking the greatest credit for the palace's plans to progress so smoothly. Therefore, even the Qingliu officials who usually dislike Zhao Junchen the most, After seeing Zhao Junchen's achievements, he had to admit that the imperial court was still inseparable from Zhao Junchen.
Emperor Deqing naturally saw Zhao Junchen's merits and hard work, and it was only natural that he planned to be kind to him.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen reciprocated the favor and replied with a face full of emotion: "I didn't expect that Your Majesty, in your busy schedule, would still remember my affairs! Your Majesty remembered clearly that I did get married on the seventh day of August!"
Emperor Deqing also looked pleased and said slowly: "As the saying goes, people in the world always start a family first and then a career. But with Zhao Aiqing, it was the other way around. He established a career first and then became a family. This On the one hand, it is too early for you to start a career, and on the other hand, it is too late for you to start a family! Now that you are finally getting married, I am deeply pleased. After you get married and have children, you will be more stable in the future and respect the court. It's also beneficial... Speaking of which, I introduced you to Cui Qianxue. She is a good girl and she can save your life. Don't let her down in the future."
Zhao Junchen naturally nodded in agreement and said, "Thank you very much for your majesty's concern. I will definitely serve the court and your majesty more carefully in the future, and I will also treat Cui Qianxue well."
Logically speaking, it is not allowed to gossip about personal matters in court meetings, but since Emperor Deqing took the initiative and Zhao Junchen was the most powerful official in the court after Zhou Shangjing, naturally no one dared to say anything.
In fact, when the officials saw Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen chatting away at home with such calm expressions, they felt more envious in their hearts, and felt that Zhao Junchen was deeply loved by the saints.
But soon, something even more enviable to the officials happened.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's answer, Emperor Deqing's expression became more and more satisfied, and he said: "During this period of time, there have been many political affairs in the court, and Junchen, you are really lucky. I heard that you only do this every day during this period. You have less than three hours of rest. If you continue like this, it will be really bad for your health. Seeing that your wedding is approaching and most of the matters in the court have come to an end, I can't bear to let you suffer anymore...
...Well, I will give you a holiday in the next five days, so that you can concentrate on your wedding and enjoy your newlywed life. When you officially get married, I will send someone to give you a generous gift. ! In addition, the acquaintance between you and Cui Qianxue was brought about by me personally. Now that you two are getting married, I can't get away from it. Let me give you the gift of this marriage! "
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen burst into tears with gratitude. He bowed deeply and saluted: "Your Majesty, you are so considerate and considerate. Your Majesty is so wise!"
Zhao Junchen really wants to take a rest now, and Emperor Deqing's will is exactly what he wants. Anyway, even if Zhao Junchen takes a rest, the Household and Work Departments are still inseparable from Zhao Junchen's control, and many major events in the court are also inseparable from Zhao Junchen's control. He worked hard, so Zhao Junchen was not worried about any accidents that would happen if he left the temple for a few days.
Emperor Deqing smiled and nodded, and then nodded to the eunuch Zhang De next to him. He saw the eunuch Zhang De taking out an imperial edict, stepping forward and loudly proclaiming: "By God's blessing, the emperor said: I heard that the Hanlin Minister It is said that Cui Qianxue, the daughter of Cui Yu, is dignified in character, respectful and sensitive. She is now in the age of cardamom, and it is the right time for her to be in the boudoir. Zhao Junchen, the Minister of Household Affairs, is an important minister of the country. When you reach adulthood and are suitable for marriage, you should choose a virtuous girl and a match. It can be said that it is a match created by heaven and earth. In order to achieve the beauty of a beautiful woman, Cui Qianxue is specially betrothed to Zhao Junchen as his wife. All etiquette is jointly handled by the Ministry of Rites and Qin Tianjian. Choose a good day to get married on the seventh day of August, I appreciate it!"
After hearing Emperor Deqing's imperial edict, all the officials were even more shocked and envious!
In the Huangji Palace, in front of hundreds of officials, Emperor Deqing personally granted marriage to Zhao Junchen. This was originally a great favor, and the imperial edict of marriage used the word "zhiyue", Rather than "Edict", it is a great honor for Zhao Junchen. You must know that the word "Zhi Yue" means that this imperial edict was written by Emperor Deqing himself, and "Edict" often It was just a ghostwriting by the eunuch or minister around the emperor, and the meaning was completely different. It was obviously because Emperor Deqing attached great importance to Zhao Junchen!
The most important thing is that Emperor Deqing actually ordered the Ministry of Rites and the Qintian Supervisor to jointly organize Zhao Junchen's wedding. This is an even greater honor. You must know that the Ministry of Rites and the Qintian Supervisor jointly organize weddings, which is often the case. A treatment that only royal family members can have!
Therefore, after carefully understanding the significance of this imperial edict, the officials were naturally extremely envious of Zhao Junchen's treatment and holy family. Even several cabinet ministers were moved.
At the same time, many people recalled the rumor that "Zhao Junchen is the illegitimate son of Emperor Deqing". Seeing Emperor Deqing's gesture of conferring marriage to Zhao Junchen, they felt that this rumor was not necessarily groundless.
At the same time, after Zhao Junchen heard the content of the imperial edict, his mood did not fluctuate much. Emperor Deqing had never been stingy with such flashy favors. It seemed that he was a royal family member, but when he thought about it carefully, Knowing that Zhao Junchen has not received any actual benefits at all, on the contrary, it will attract red eyes from many people.
Moreover, the marriage between Zhao Junchen and Cui Qianxue was not originally planned to be a big deal, but now that Emperor Deqing personally granted the marriage and also involved the Ministry of Rites and the Qintian Supervisor, Zhao Junchen could no longer keep a low profile, but After such a big deal, Zhao Junchen may not be able to rest.
However, Zhao Junchen's expression became more and more grateful. After reaching out to receive the imperial edict, he even gave a big gift to Emperor Deqing to show his gratitude.
After conferring marriage to Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing felt that he had further won over Zhao Junchen, and he was deeply satisfied. After saying a few words about how much he valued Zhao Junchen again, he announced that he would go to court!
After the morning court, Zhao Junchen looked at the marriage decree in his hand with a complicated expression.
If it were normal, after the morning court ended, Zhao Junchen would have left the Huangji Hall surrounded by everyone from the "Zhao Party".
But on this day, because Emperor Deqing personally granted the marriage, Zhao Junchen not only came into the limelight, but also became the focus of the officials. Under Emperor Deqing's reminder, the officials all thought of Zhao Junchen's marriage. I think this is a great opportunity for them to get closer to Zhao Junchen.
Therefore, after the morning court ended, all the officials gathered around Zhao Junchen and expressed their congratulations to Zhao Junchen. They also said that they would go to the Zhao Mansion to observe the ceremony in person on the day of Zhao Junchen's wedding.
"Congratulations to Mr. Zhao! Congratulations to Mr. Zhao!"
"Master Zhao's wedding is a grand event in the temple, and your subordinates will definitely be there to express their congratulations!"
"I would like to sincerely wish Mr. Zhao that fish and water are in harmony with each other, like drums and harps!"
For a moment, facing the congratulations of the officials, Zhao Junchen could not get away at all, nor could he treat them with a cold face. He could only put on a cordial and joyful look, bowed his hands to the surrounding officials and said: "In this case, I am here. The mansion is waiting for you all! Your invitations will be sent out soon, so be sure to come and witness the ceremony!"
When the officials finally dispersed, Zhao Junchen still could not leave the Huangji Hall, because several cabinet ministers had been waiting for a long time. After seeing the officials disperse, they walked side by side towards Zhao Junchen.
After arriving in front of Zhao Junchen, Shen Changmao first said: "I have been so busy with the court affairs these days that I almost forgot about Master Zhao's marriage, but it's my fault! When Master Zhao gets married, I will definitely give it to you. The heavy gift expresses congratulations!”
Zhou Shangjing took a look at Zhao Junchen and said with a smile: "I have not forgotten Junchen's wedding. The gifts have been prepared for a long time. It's a pity that I am already old and can no longer see weddings and weddings. I am also full of energy. Unfortunately, I have been exhausted during this period, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to go and congratulate him in person by then!”
After Liang Fuchen hesitated for a moment, he said: "I just learned about Mr. Zhao's marriage. On the seventh day of August, if I have nothing to do, I will go to Mr. Zhao's house to ask for a wedding drink!"
At the same time, Zuo Lanshan and Li He, like Liang Fuchen, said that they would go to the Zhao Mansion in person to observe the ceremony.
Faced with the congratulations of several pavilion elders, Zhao Junchen naturally did not dare to neglect, showed due humility, and quickly thanked them, leaving aside the many polite words for the time being.
But he said that while officials were congratulating Zhao Junchen, the "princelings" naturally had no intention of participating.
At the same time that Zhao Junchen was accepting the congratulations of the officials, Prince Zhu Heyu and all the Qingliu people had already left the Huangji Palace.
After leaving the Huangji Hall, the elder Cheng Yuandao thought of Zhao Junchen's prestige and said with a dissatisfied expression: "Zhao Junchen, a corrupt official, has become more and more popular. Your Majesty also flattered him by asking the Ministry of Rites and the Qintian Supervisor to I personally officiated his marriage, I don’t know how proud Zhao Junchen is now!”
After speaking, Cheng Yuandao looked towards Prince Zhu Heyu.
As Cheng Yuandao finished speaking, all the Qingliu people responded one after another, not only expressing their dissatisfaction, but also expressing that Zhao Junchen would never be proud for a long time!
But Prince Zhu Heyu remained silent and did not express anything.
In Cheng Yuandao's impression, Prince Zhu Heyu couldn't stand Emperor Deqing's favor towards Zhao Junchen the most, and he would get angry every time.
But this time, Prince Zhu Heyu was unusually calm.
In fact, Zhu Heyu was a little hesitant at this time, wondering whether he should take advantage of Zhao Junchen's wedding to send a congratulatory gift to ease the long-standing tension between the two parties.
To this day, Zhu Heyu has clearly felt the intention of Emperor Deqing to depose him, and he also knows that he must not sit still and wait for death!
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