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After thinking carefully for a moment, Zhu Heyu once again picked up the secret suicide note that Zhao Shancai had left for Zhao Junchen, and quickly flipped through it with a serious expression on his face.
The content of this secret suicide note is not much, only about ten pages and a few hundred words. It does not try to guide Zhao Junchen's thoughts, analyze the future development of the temple situation, or instill any ideas and concepts into Zhao Junchen. ——Because Zhao Shancai is very clear about Zhao Junchen's character and knows that Zhao Junchen may seem easy-going on the surface, but in fact he is very independent, has his own opinions and judgments, and will not be easily influenced by others.
In fact, in this secret suicide note, Zhao Shancai behaved as if he was a loyal aide around Zhao Junchen. He looked like he was considering Zhao Junchen wholeheartedly, and only made many seemingly beneficial suggestions to Zhao Junchen. As well as some reminders to check for omissions and fill in the gaps.
However, it is said that Zhao Shancai's suggestions include more than ten in total, with different emphasis and wide scope. But if they can be summed up simply, they can only be summarized in three aspects-that is, spending money, saving food, and raising hopes.
In Zhao Shancai's view, Zhao Junchen's future crisis can be roughly divided into three aspects.
First, Zhao Junchen’s ability to open up money is too strong. In recent years, not only has the national treasury turned losses into profits, but the annual silver surplus has also been increasing. Seeing that the financial situation of the imperial court is getting better and better, everyone thinks that the turnover of public funds has been exhausted. There is no worry in the short term. Zhao Junchen will no longer be an indispensable confidant in the eyes of Emperor Deqing. Sooner or later, he will face the end of killing the donkey.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen had to find some fair reasons and try every means to encourage the court to spend more money to keep the court's finances barely balanced. In this way, Emperor Deqing would not dare to give up easily. Zhao Junchen.
Secondly, there is a serious shortage of grain in the court's public funds. Once there is a natural or man-made disaster or a serious food shortage among the people, and the court needs large-scale relief, but the Ministry of Household Affairs cannot provide food, Zhao Junchen can easily Will be the one to take the blame - even though Zhao Junchen is now in the cabinet to assist the government, he still nominally supervises the Ministry of Household Affairs.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen must do his best to save food for the court just in case, otherwise he will be in trouble sooner or later.
Third, Zhao Junchen's popularity is too low. Even those "Zhao Party" officials who seem to follow Zhao Junchen's lead are essentially just using Zhao Junchen's power to make money for themselves. In other words, Zhao Junchen is not There is no real hope, and things are fine when things are going smoothly. However, once there is a slightly bigger setback, it may be the end of the tree falling and the hozens scattering. Not many people follow Zhao Junchen sincerely and unswervingly.
If this situation cannot be changed, Zhao Junchen's fault tolerance rate in future development will become lower and lower. As long as he falls once, it will be a situation that will never be recovered.
Of course, these views are only Zhao Shancai's personal opinions. He does not understand Zhao Junchen's hidden arrangements. Many situations have changed long ago.
But it has to be said that these suggestions still have many merits, and they indeed influenced many of Zhao Junchen’s decisions.
At least when Zhu Heyu first saw these suggestions, he felt that these suggestions would be of great benefit to Zhao Junchen.
However, Zhu Heyu had only a few ideas at the beginning and just admired the cleverness of these suggestions. But now when he looked at the contents, especially the last suggestion in the secret suicide note, he finally discovered something strange. at.
This piece of advice is both extremely clever and extremely bold!
It is said to be extremely clever because this suggestion perfectly combines the three requirements of spending money, saving food, and raising hopes;
It is said to be extremely bold because this suggestion completely violates the Ming Dynasty's ancestral system of Ming Dynasty Zhu Yuanzhang!
This suggestion is to ask Zhao Junchen to ask Emperor Deqing in public for an increase in salary for all officials!
In this way, the treasury expenditure will definitely increase significantly, and Zhao Junchen will become indispensable again; after the officials get the benefits, they will definitely be grateful for Zhao Junchen's proposal, and Zhao Junchen's reputation in the court will also greatly increase. Improvement; when raising the salary of hundreds of officials, you can also use the method of converting salary grain into silver. Of course, it will cause an increase in private grain prices, but the court's public funds can increase a large amount of grain reserves every year, and the court's emergency response capacity will also be reduced. In order to improve, it is not an exaggeration to say that it kills three birds with one stone.
However, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty had already engraved the salary standards for court officials on stone tablets, indicating that they would never be changed by future generations. Such an approach would undoubtedly cause an uproar.
Zhu Heyu's eyes lingered on this suggestion for a long time, but he also remembered a certain suggestion in the secret suicide note that Zhao Shancai left for him - in the future, if Zhao Junchen proposes to increase the salary of hundreds of officials, Zhu Heyu will You must express your support as soon as possible!
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Seeing where Zhu Heyu's eyes lingered, his expression changing, Zhao Junchen asked again with a smile on his face: "Do you understand?"
Zhu Heyu looked up at Zhao Junchen and said with a solemn expression: "Ask the emperor for an increase in salary for all officials? This matter can certainly increase his reputation, but once it is brought up, the emperor will definitely become a dragon. Yan was furious and clearly violated the ancestral system. I am afraid it will be difficult to operate and the risk will be extremely high..."
Seeing that Zhu Heyu did not express support or opposition immediately, but seriously thought about the specific operation methods, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction.
Then, Zhao Junchen once again assumed the attitude of a master lecturing and asked: "Yes, it is very risky and difficult to operate. Your hesitation, Your Highness, is natural, but you think your current situation is Is the risk low? This approach of burning the boat and risking your life to survive is your only choice in the future!
While talking, Zhao Junchen pointed to the bookshelf in the study room. Zhu Heyu turned around and saw various history books on the bookshelf, from Sima Qian's "Historical Records" to Sima Guang's "Zizhi Tongjian" It's all available.
Zhao Junchen's tone became cold and he said slowly: "The position of the Crown Prince is half monarch, half minister, and both monarch and minister. It is necessary to guard against the suspicion of the emperor and the conspiracy of hundreds of officials. Under the attention of the world, in one fell swoop Every movement will be magnified and exploited by others. It can be said that this is the most difficult position in the world and the most dangerous position in history!
Your Royal Highness, when you read the history books, have you ever calculated the number of princes and princes in the past dynasties, how many of them successfully ascended the throne, and how many of them were deposed and killed?
I have made a detailed calculation, and now I can tell you clearly - since the Han Dynasty, there have been a total of 213 princes and princes in the past dynasties, and 56 of them died in various accidents before they ascended the throne. , another sixty-seven people were deposed for various reasons, and soon died the same violent deaths. Only the remaining ninety people could successfully ascend the throne! ...In other words, only 40% of the princes and princes in the past dynasties can successfully ascend the throne, and the remaining 60% all end miserably!
And your current situation, Your Highness, is even more unfavorable. There are enemies everywhere in the court, and the Qingliu are about to abandon you. Your Majesty is determined to establish another prince, and there is nothing that can benefit you. ...Since ancient times, there have been many princes and princes like you, but no one was spared. They were all killed! Therefore, it is inevitable for you, Your Highness, to be deposed in the future! "
The figures mentioned by Zhao Junchen were so cold that Zhu Heyu couldn't help but change his expression.
Zhu Heyu had known for a long time that the position of the crown prince was the most difficult to occupy, but it was not until today that he got real statistics from Zhao Junchen, and he understood more deeply how serious the crisis he faced was.
Seeing the solemn expression of Prince Zhu Heyu, Zhao Junchen smiled again, took the initiative to soften his tone, and said: "At the same time, Your Highness, your advantage is that you are upright, have a good reputation, and have not committed any lawlessness." Big mistake to redeem, this is what makes you so different!
After other princes and princes were deposed, they had no chance to make a comeback, because they lost all their prestige the moment they were deposed... But, on the other hand, if the prince and prince were deposed, not only did they not lose their prestige, but they also lost their prestige. On the contrary, he has won the recognition and support of hundreds of officials, and he has a great chance of making a comeback!
This is the core of Zhao Shancai's plan! "
Then, Zhao Junchen finally returned to the topic and continued: "The salaries of officials in our dynasty are really too low. The poverty of the officials is the worst in all dynasties. It has been unspeakable for a long time! Now, you help me pay tribute in public." Your Majesty's request to increase the salary of hundreds of officials is the best way to win the support of hundreds of officials!
Of course, this matter is difficult to operate. After all, Taizu had clearly defined the ancestral system and engraved the salary of hundreds of officials on stone tablets, indicating that it could never be changed. And our Majesty... is not special in this regard. The generosity of…”
At this point, Zhao Junchen secretly shook his head and complained, feeling that the stinginess of Lao Zhu's family was really inherited from his ancestors.
After a short pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "But there may not be any chance! Because in fact, only His Majesty will object to this matter! The low salary of the imperial court has long made the officials full of resentment, but Due to the ancestral system, they dare not take the initiative to mention it. The powerful ministers and major factions in the court will never dare to express their opinions to obstruct it, and even secretly support it!
After all, this is related to the well-being of hundreds of officials. Although the Dukes and Dukes at the center of the imperial court are not short of a little money, they must also consider the thoughts of middle- and lower-level officials, otherwise they will attract the hostility of most officials. Such a price No one can afford it... Even His Majesty can only use the word 'ancestral system' to object! "
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen shook his head and said with emotion: "According to the rules set by Taizu back then, a seventh-grade county magistrate only had an annual salary of seven stones and five dou. After the salary was converted into silver, he only had a salary of three stones and ten liang." Salary money... But they also have to support their families, servants, and staff. Daily official entertainment, welcome and send-offs are also a huge expense. How can such a small amount of money be enough? Many times, if officials are not corrupt, they will live I can’t go on anymore, it’s not an exaggeration to say I have no choice.”
Seeing Zhao Junchen defending corrupt officials so blatantly, Zhu Heyu subconsciously wanted to refute.
But before Zhu Heyu could refute, Zhao Junchen continued: "Of course, there are some people in the court who are considered honest, and the Qingliu officials are the representatives... But your Highness, please think carefully, who are the Qingliu officials? Aren’t they rich in wealth and from a wealthy family? They don’t care about the salary from the court at all. Using their reputation to ensure the survival of the family is their top priority. That’s why they will become a clear stream, and that’s why they will stand up and speak without pain! "
Zhu Heyu was suddenly at a loss for words. After hesitating for a moment, he did not continue to argue with Zhao Junchen about these fallacies. He just frowned and said: "But as long as the word 'ancestral system' is still there, this matter will be extremely difficult... No one dares to To openly violate the Taizu's stone carvings will, not to mention that this matter will attract the hostility and dissatisfaction of my father, I am afraid that the gain will outweigh the loss."
Zhao Junchen still looked like he was lecturing patiently, and said leisurely: "The ancestral system cannot be violated, of course, but Taizu only ordered all officials not to increase their salaries, and things other than salary are not within the scope. Take advantage of loopholes. There are so many methods, just change the name...
Well, it is said that in order to cultivate and encourage officials to be honest and avoid corruption and bribery, after passing the annual assessment by the Ministry of Personnel, all qualified officials can receive a sum of money as a reward. The specific number It is about ten times the salary of an official. Let's call this money "Yin for raising integrity". It is not included in the salary. In this way, Your Majesty will have nothing to say! "
Seeing that Zhu Heyu was thoughtful, Zhao Junchen added: "As for His Majesty's hostility and displeasure, there is no need to worry! You have to understand that this approach is not really to maintain integrity among officials, but to put it aside. Reborn after death! This is to help you win the sincere support of officials! It is so that you can still return to the court after being deposed!
Your Majesty has a stubborn temper. Regardless of this matter or not, he will find a way to depose you! Judging from the current situation, it is inevitable that you will be deposed! But if you help me promote the "Raising Honest Silver" matter, all the officials will be grateful to you, and it will be difficult for His Majesty to depose you again!
Taking a step back, even if His Majesty still insists on deposing you, he can still secretly build momentum by linking His Majesty's deposing you with your efforts to secure money for the officials. Let the officials mistakenly believe that this is the direct reason for your dethronement. At that time, how grateful will the officials be to you? How prestigious will you be?
Then, once the newly appointed crown prince makes some mistakes, without your personal promotion, hundreds of officials will naturally propose that you return to the court. It will be natural for you to regain your throne and successfully ascend the throne. This is the complete picture of Zhao Shancai’s plan! "
After listening to Zhao Junchen's explanation, Zhu Heyu fell silent again, his expression changing all the time.
Zhu Heyu had always believed in Zhao Shancai, but this plan was so unbelievable that Zhu Heyu couldn't help but hesitate.
Especially now that Zhao Junchen has taken full control of this plan, many variables have emerged.
After a long silence, Zhu Heyu said slowly: "Thank you Zhao Gechen for your advice, otherwise I might not be able to understand Zhao Shancai's true thoughts in a short time... However, Zhao Gechen's explanation seems to be secretly mixed with many things. Private goods, it’s also a bit evasive, right?”
Zhao Junchen looked a little surprised and asked: "Oh? Where did I mix in private goods? Where did I avoid the important and take the easy way out?"
Zhu Heyu's face was calm and his tone was calm, and he still said slowly: "In Zhao Shancai's plan, he never mentioned the idea of 'raising Lian Yin' from the beginning to the end! He just wanted to encourage you and me to work together. Promoting the salary increase for all officials, advancing together, retreating together, and helping each other are not only defying the ancestral system, but also sharing the consequences. They are regarded by the government and the opposition as one, and they are completely tied to the same boat. From now on, Zhao Gechen You must help me wholeheartedly!
However, the "Integrity Bank" proposed by Zhao Gechen seems to be a trick to bypass the ancestral system that prohibits salary increases for officials in our dynasty. Therefore, it will not encounter too much obstruction and suppression, but you and I don't have to force it. Tied together, after Zhao Gechen achieves his goal, he can abandon me without any scruples, but is that so?
Also, according to Zhao Gechen's proposal, all officials must be reviewed by the Ministry of Personnel every year before receiving the "Integrity-raising Silver". This undoubtedly greatly strengthened the power of the Ministry of Husbandry, and the Ministry of Personnel has always been Zhou Shangjing's forbidden favorite. So this is a disguised form of weakening the imperial power and strengthening the power of the prime minister...
In the short term, after Zhou Shangjing's power is further strengthened, he can help you share the pressure of his father; in the long term, Zhou Shangjing is old after all. After he leaves the temple, the powerful officials in the central court will no longer have the power. People can compete with you, so the power Zhou Shangjing has gained now will fall into your hands sooner or later in the future, but is this so?
Furthermore, although Zhao Shancai’s plan may allow me to put myself to death and survive, it also has a prerequisite, that is, after I am deposed, the new crown prince will not be able to secure his position as crown prince, or he will commit an irreversible crime. Mistake... If this link is missing, no matter how high my reputation among officials was when I was deposed, I would never be able to make a comeback! But unfortunately, Zhao Gechen, you have always avoided talking about this link. This should be because Zhao Gechen, you have your own plans, but is that so? "
Zhu Heyu asked "but so" three times in a row, making Zhao Junchen's expression more and more surprised.
Zhao Junchen originally thought that he could manipulate Zhu Heyu only by using the Seven Cent Machine, but now it seems that he still underestimated Zhu Heyu.
Zhu Heyu's growth was higher than Zhao Junchen's expectation, and he found all the traps in Zhao Junchen's words.
However, although Zhao Junchen was surprised, he did not panic. He still looked like he was taking exams and nodded: "It seems that you have really grown a lot during this time. Zhao Shan will be extremely pleased to see this scene in Tianzhiling." ...However, all these concerns of yours are unnecessary! As for the reason, you can think about it carefully!"
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During this period of time, due to epidemic prevention and control, the bugs basically did not come home. It was not until today that I had a chance to rest and resume updates. Sorry for that.
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