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While Huo Zhengyuan was thinking wildly and feeling anxious, Zhao Junchen continued to speak.
"By the way, here, I have three more pieces of good news to tell you."
At this point, Zhao Junchen's tone paused.
Zuo Lanshan was the smartest one, and he was the first to join in the conversation at this time, asking: "Oh? The good news that Zhao Gechen can specifically mention must be exciting news. There are actually three more? But I don't know what they are. good news?"
Zhao Junchen smiled leisurely and said: "The first good news is that Fang Ru, the concubine in my house, is now more than five months pregnant and will give birth to a child for me soon! Therefore, my Zhao family There’s a queen!”
As Zhao Junchen finished speaking, everyone in the "Zhao Party" naturally responded enthusiastically. Everyone rushed to express their congratulations, and all kinds of auspicious words could be said to be endless.
In some ways, the significance of this matter cannot be underestimated.
Zhao Junchen is now the "immortal new uncle". Judging from Zhao Junchen's age and achievements, he will have a good chance to remove the word "immortal" in the future and become a true hereditary noble! Therefore, Zhao Junchen has descendants, which means that the Zhao family's wealth has the possibility to continue, which also means that the "Zhao Party" interest group can continue forever. The families of the "Zhao Party" may be in the future He will also become a family friend of the Zhao family, which means that generations of descendants will have no worries about food and clothing!
The most important thing is that because Zhao Junchen was too young, he always attracted contempt from ignorant people in the past. As Zhao Junchen gets married and has children, he means maturity and stability in the eyes of the world, which also helps Zhao Junchen. The increase in prestige will naturally be conducive to the further development of the "Zhao Party".
For everyone in the "Zhao Party", the only flaw in this matter is that the person who is pregnant with Zhao Junchen's heir is Fang Ru, the concubine, not Cui Qianxue, the main wife, and it is not sure whether the child is a boy or a girl. Cui Qianxue gave birth to a baby boy, which was perfect.
"Congratulations to Zhao Gechen! Congratulations to Zhao Gechen!"
"The descendants of Zhao Gechen have inherited Master Zhao's bloodline, and they will definitely be great among men from now on!"
"Speaking of which, my youngest son has just turned one year old this year. If Mrs. Ru gives birth to a young master, my useless son can be the companion of Mr. Zhao. If a young lady is born, then... also You can become your childhood sweetheart’s playmate!”
Listening to the blessings and compliments from all the party members, Zhao Junchen also had a smile on his face.
When the "Zhao Party" people complimented Zhao Junchen himself, Zhao Junchen could still keep calm, but when he heard them blessing Fang Ru and the children, even though he knew that most of these people's blessings were based on profit considerations, Zhao Junchen's heart It is also difficult to conceal the joy.
When the compliments from everyone in the "Zhao Party" came to an end, Zhao Junchen coughed lightly, calmed down his expression slightly, and said: "The second good news is... His Majesty has promised me that after the imperial court officially regains the Hetao, we will discuss merits and deeds." When I receive the reward, I will be given a gold medal to get out of jail free!"
As soon as Zhao Junchen's words fell, they were like thunder on the ground, which immediately shocked everyone in the "Zhao Party". Many "Zhao Party" officials couldn't help but stand up after hearing the words.
Zuo Lanshan's body trembled and he asked repeatedly: "Zhao Gechen, are you serious about this? Your Majesty promised you a gold medal for getting out of jail free? Is this really a gold medal for getting out of jail free?"
Chen Dongxiang's face turned red and he said excitedly: "This is the gold medal for getting out of jail free! This is the gold medal for getting out of jail free! From now on, won't Mr. Zhao have nothing to worry about?"
If Zhao Junchen has an heir, it only means that the Zhao family's wealth has the possibility to continue. Then after Zhao Junchen received the immunity gold medal from Emperor Deqing, this possibility has undoubtedly increased significantly! Therefore, it means that Zhao Junchen can protect the "Zhao Party" people for a long time.
No one is a fool. Most people in the "Zhao Party" knew Zhao Junchen's long-term worries and hidden dangers in the past, and they were all vaguely worried about Zhao Junchen's fate in the future. However, they really couldn't resist the temptation in front of them. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Zhao Junchen all the way.
But if Zhao Junchen gets a gold medal for immunity, the future situation will naturally be very different... Although everyone is familiar with the history of the Ming Dynasty and understands that the emperors of the Ming Dynasty have never been a model of keeping their promises, everyone will have luck. Psychology, what if this get-out-of-jail-free card comes into play?
Seeing the excitement of everyone in the Zhao party, Zhao Junchen nodded secretly.
Just as Zhao Junchen expected, whether this immunity gold medal will be effective in the future remains to be seen, but its impact on people's hearts is immediate.
No, just because of Zhao Junchen's words, everyone in the "Zhao Party" boosted their morale and became more and more loyal to Zhao Junchen.
While thinking secretly, Zhao Junchen nodded slightly and said with a smile: "This is His Majesty's personal guarantee, and it cannot be false! However, I still want to remind everyone that even if I get this immunity gold medal, this gold medal will not be false." It can only be used by myself, and it can only be used for longer-term protection. You should still be cautious when acting in the future."
Worried that the "Zhao Party" people would become complacent in the future after boosting their confidence, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but remind him again.
Regarding Zhao Junchen's reminder, everyone in the "Zhao Party" didn't know whether they listened to it. After agreeing one after another, they began to talk about it and imagine a better future.
After seeing the performance of the "Zhao Party" people, Zhao Junchen secretly thought: "Today's gathering is mainly to further win over people's hearts and strengthen their control. However, it is not suitable to pour cold water on them anymore. But looking at their excitement, I’m afraid I’ll have to look for opportunities to beat them in the future!”
As his thoughts were turning, Zhao Junchen coughed slightly to remind everyone that he had not finished speaking.
After hearing Zhao Junchen's reminder, everyone in the "Zhao Party" finally calmed down a little. Zuo Lanshan asked on behalf of everyone, "Master Zhao's good news is indeed extraordinary and exciting! The first two good news It’s already so amazing, but I don’t know what the third good news from Mr. Zhao is?”
Under the expectant gaze of everyone, Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "As for the third news, you should have heard about it. The prince came to my house specially a few days ago to visit me, hoping to turn my enemy into a friend. , work together, I have promised him... Therefore, from now on, we will try our best to assist His Highness the Crown Prince to successfully ascend the throne... At least, we must ensure that the Crown Prince's prestige and reputation are not lost!"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, the "Zhao Party" people who were originally full of expectations were silent and their reaction was not enthusiastic.
This is firstly because everyone in the "Zhao Party" has indeed received the relevant news in advance, and secondly, it is also because the recent situation of Prince Zhu Heyu is really unbearable. It is not an exaggeration to say that he has become a phoenix. There are not many benefits and risks in assisting him. It was small, which made everyone in the "Zhao Party" less interested.
Only Huo Zhengyuan couldn't help but be startled after hearing Zhao Junchen's last words, and then he looked thoughtful, as if he had thought of something, and for a moment he forgot the panic he had just felt.
Regarding the reaction of the "Zhao Party" people, Zhao Junchen had already anticipated it, and said slowly: "Of course, I also know that the prince has been in a very bad situation recently, and His Majesty has indeed considered deposing him, but All of this has not yet become a reality, and there is still a chance to reverse it! Everyone, it is better to add icing on the cake than to provide help in times of need! This is a great opportunity for us to obtain a victory from the dragon! In fact, for our own sake, we must do our best Support His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!”
Seeing that everyone in the "Zhao Party" was listening to his speech attentively, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction.
"The Seventh Prince has often been in public during this period, and has gradually moved towards the front of the scene. My colleagues are probably aware of the temperament of this Seventh Prince. The temperament of His Royal Highness is completely opposite to that of His Royal Highness. He can be said to be gentle, humble, and soft-hearted. …”
At this point, Zhao Junchen's expression was slightly strange, and he continued: "This kind of character seems to be a good thing, but in fact it is a hanging sword for us! Have you ever thought about it, just because of the Seventh Prince? His character is too gentle, but how can His Majesty be tolerant and gentle today? Before His Majesty abdicates, he will definitely use thunderous means to remove all hidden dangers and obstacles to ensure that the new emperor can smoothly control the temple after he ascends the throne!
Hehe, when the time comes, there will be a change of dynasty, one emperor and one courtier! And those of us, who will be ministers of the former dynasty, will also become hidden dangers in His Majesty’s eyes! I will soon have a get-out-of-jail gold medal, and I won't have anything to fear then. I can just be a noble man with peace of mind, but your future will be in doubt. The best thing is to leave the temple sadly! But are you willing to leave the temple like this? Let the officials of the new dynasty take away our benefits? "
After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, everyone looked thoughtful and serious.
Zhao Junchen said again: "What's more, even if His Majesty did not take any action unexpectedly, everyone should understand that the Seventh Prince is still closer to those Qingliu people after all, and he is not the same person as us. In those Qingliu people Under our bewitchment, he will become our enemy sooner or later! But His Highness the Crown Prince is different. In order to join hands with us, he has completely broken with the Qingliu people. This is enough to prove his sincerity! In addition to us, the Crown Prince also There is no other force to rely on, so he must be tied to us! As long as the prince successfully ascends the throne, we no longer have to worry about anything! Moreover, with our full support, the prince may not suffer When it comes to being deposed, why can’t we take a chance when there is a 50-50 chance?”
Upon hearing Zhao Junchen's encouragement, everyone in the "Zhao Party" changed their expressions.
Yes, the crisis of Prince Zhu Heyu is not an opportunity for the "Zhao Party" to succeed in one fell swoop and completely resolve all hidden dangers?
Finally, after Zuo Lanshan pondered for a long time, he was the first to express his position: "We have no doubt about Zhao Gechen's vision and determination. Since Zhao Gechen has made the decision, we naturally support it!"
Chen Dongxiang also said: "Yes, Zhao Gechen's decision will naturally be correct! We will only follow Zhao Gechen's lead!"
As Zuo Lanshan and Chen Dongxiang expressed their respective opinions, everyone in the "Zhao Party" also expressed their support.
Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu Heyu were on the same page in the past, and the Qingliu people could not accept the alliance between Prince Zhu Heyu and Zhao Junchen. However, everyone in the "Zhao Party" did not care much about these past grievances - for no other reason. It is because the Qingliu people have always been defeated by Zhao Junchen and suffered repeated setbacks. However, under the leadership of Zhao Junchen, the "Zhao Party" rarely suffered losses when they competed with the Qingliu people. At this time, they were particularly generous.
Moreover, because Zhao Junchen's momentum is getting higher and higher, people in the "Zhao Party" are also consistent in their words. Everyone in the "Zhao Party" is also used to Zhao Junchen's consistent correctness. At this time, even if he has different ideas, he does not dare to say it openly.
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Seeing the "Zhao Party" people expressing their opinions one after another, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction, very satisfied with the obedience and trust of the "Zhao Party" people.
However, Zhao Junchen also knew in his heart that his situation of sticking to his word would probably not be sustainable for long.
This is because, according to Zhao Junchen's inference, the expansion of the power of the "Zhao Party" has entered a bottleneck period.
After Emperor Deqing and other powerful officials in the court tolerated Zhao Junchen regaining control of the court's financial power, they would inevitably be more vigilant about Zhao Junchen's expansion of power in other areas, and would suppress it with greater intensity!
There is a saying in later generations of "competing the worst". People who hold this view believe that all interest groups in the world are competing for the worst. The interest group that ultimately wins may not necessarily do the best, but is often just compared to other interest groups. It’s not that bad!
There is some truth to this statement.
For a completely stable interest group, the various decisions made by the decision-makers will often not be the best decisions, but the decisions with the least resistance to execution, or the less bad decisions among all the bad decisions.
This is because after the decision-maker makes the decision, someone must be responsible for its implementation. However, in a mature interest group, the distribution of interests has long been fixed, whether it is a massive reform or a light breeze. Any improvement will affect the interests of vested interests, and these vested interests are often the executors of specific affairs!
Some decisions look good, and theoretically successful will produce obvious positive effects. However, if the executor is unwilling to implement it diligently, or secretly creates obstacles, no matter how good the decision is, it will only backfire and lead to negative consequences. .
Therefore, whenever a decision-maker makes a decision, the first thing to consider is not the effect of the decision, but whether the decision can be implemented smoothly - that is, whether the decision will damage the existing interests. After the interests of the vested interests are harmed, how powerful will the backlash be?
In the end, decision-makers often make decisions that seem to achieve half the result with twice the result and sacrifice the good. But if a decision can achieve the effect of half the result with twice the result, it can be regarded as a successful decision.
When the decision-making of all interest groups becomes like this, the era of mutual competition will begin.
This is one of the reasons why old forces are often defeated by emerging forces.
Emerging forces are in a period of rapid growth, the distribution of interests has not yet been fixed, and the resistance from vested interests is not very strong, so decision-makers can make the most correct decisions, and these correct decisions can be implemented smoothly; in comparison, However, the old forces are hesitant and slow to respond. Even if they finally take action, it is often counterproductive. Naturally, they cannot stop the offensive of the emerging forces.
The "Zhao Party" was an emerging force in the past, and its power and influence expanded rapidly. Everyone benefited, and they understood that they would receive more benefits in the future, so they were naturally willing to obey Zhao Junchen's command for the sake of more benefits in the future. , and are willing to give up some immediate benefits and even take a certain degree of risk.
However, as the expansion of the power of "Zhao Party" gradually enters a bottleneck period, it can only be limited to the financial aspect. The nature of "Zhao Party" will also change from an emerging force to an old force, and its members will gradually become more conservative. , those with vested interests are no longer willing to give up their immediate interests, nor are they willing to follow Zhao Junchen into danger... At that time, it will be twice as difficult for Zhao Junchen to control the "Zhao Party".
Therefore, there are many things that Zhao Junchen must determine before "Zhao Party" enters the bottleneck period.
Cooperation with Prince Zhu Heyu is just one of them, and strengthening the focus of the "Zhao Party" is also one of them.
At the same time, Zhao Junchen also wanted to further transform the "Zhao Party" into a radical reformist in the court.
The progress on this point is obvious. Zhao Junchen's several reform measures have benefited the members of the "Zhao Party" a lot. Now everyone in the "Zhao Party" has reached the point where they are overjoyed when they hear the word reform. What I just heard After it was said that Zhao Junchen was going to extend the commercial tax rectification plan to the northwest provinces, everyone actively supported it, which was a significant signal.
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However, Zhao Junchen was not too worried about the backlash of vested interests in the "Zhao Party" in the future. In the final analysis, the "Zhao Party" was only Zhao Junchen's power on the surface to attract the attention of Emperor Deqing and other powerful officials. Just strength.
When the last resort came, Zhao Junchen would not hesitate much even if he abandoned "Zhao Party".
Therefore, the future plans of "Zhao Party" only flashed through Zhao Junchen's mind.
The next moment, Zhao Junchen's eyes finally turned to Huo Zhengyuan.
Noticing the panic on Huo Zhengyuan's expression, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile in his heart.
Zhao Junchen had ignored Huo Zhengyuan just now, just wanting to hit him secretly.
Huo Zhengyuan is a smart man. The advantage of being a smart person is that you don't need to say anything to him, but you still have to talk to him occasionally! After this fright, he must have figured out many things.
Huo Zhengyuan was not only a smart man, but also good at protecting himself. From now on, he would naturally be tight-lipped and would never dare to reveal the true cause of Zhan Shanchang's death.
Noticing Zhao Junchen's eyes on him, Huo Zhengyuan's expression was surprised and happy. He was surprised that he didn't know what Zhao Junchen was thinking, but he was happy that Zhao Junchen finally noticed him.
Then, before Huo Zhengyuan could express his position, Zhao Junchen put on an apologetic expression and said, "Speaking of our joint cooperation with the Crown Prince, I am also indebted to Academician Huo... Academician Huo also said a few days ago After losing the part-time job of Shuntian Prefecture, Mr. Zhou Ge moved very quickly. Before I could return to the temple, he pushed his subordinate Xue Gui to the position of Shuntian Prefecture Yin, so I can't help you take back Shuntian Prefecture. The position of Yin... Then, I originally wanted to recommend Academician Huo as the Minister of Household Affairs, but out of consideration for cooperation with the prince, I finally gave this position to Li Chengru..."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, everyone in the "Zhao Party" shook their heads with regret.
In their view, handing over the key position of Minister of Household Affairs to Li Chengru was a waste of money and money, and they were somewhat unconvinced by Zhao Junchen's decision.
It is also because Zhao Junchen has been controlling the pace of the topic since he appeared, otherwise some "Zhao Party" officials would have expressed dissatisfaction.
However, now, because of Zhao Junchen's persuasion and guidance, everyone in the "Zhao Party" has lost the opportunity to question.
On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan did not dare to show any dissatisfaction and said quickly: "I am very loyal to Zhao Gechen. No matter what arrangements Zhao Gechen makes, I will accept and understand him and I don't dare to have any dissatisfaction!"
Among everyone present, only Zhao Junchen understood the hint in Huo Zhengyuan's words.
Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction again and said: "As long as Academician Huo remains loyal to me in the future, I will never wrong Academician Huo! Although I did not recommend Academician Huo to become the Minister of Household Affairs, I still have other important arrangements... After today’s party is over, please ask Master Huo to stay for a while, and you and I will discuss it in detail then!”
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the "Zhao Party" officials looked at Huo Zhengyuan with envy.
Zhao Junchen did not explain his arrangement for Huo Zhengyuan in public. Obviously, this arrangement involved many links of great interest, which also meant that Zhao Junchen had to entrust Huo Zhengyuan with an important responsibility.
On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan also felt relaxed, knowing that Zhao Junchen had believed in his loyalty and was no longer trying to scare him, but was secretly looking forward to it.
*
Next, Zhao Junchen discussed many things with the "Zhao Party" people, including the daily routine of exchanging feelings and the government affairs of seeking interests.
In the evening, Zhao Junchen set up a few more banquet tables and drank and talked with everyone in the "Zhao Party" and got closer.
By the time everything was over, it was already midnight, the night was getting darker, and the moon was hanging on the branches.
After Zhao Junchen sent away the "Zhao Party" people, he invited Huo Zhengyuan, who was left alone, to the study for a secret talk.
After the two of them sat down respectively, Zhao Junchen did not go around in circles and said directly: "Thanks to the reminder from the great scholar Huo, I was aware of Zhan Shanchang's betrayal in time, otherwise there will be endless troubles. You also know that Zhan Shanchang took the lead in surrendering to my daughter. Gu, his betrayal is extremely difficult for me, and the current situation in the temple is also extremely sensitive. Many times I can only use some last resort means! But you also know, Bachelor Huo, that I have always treated my own people well. If Zhan Shanchang hadn't betrayed him on his own initiative, I wouldn't have been cruel."
Zhao Junchen's words were tantamount to admitting that Zhan Shanchang's suicide was related to him. Huo Zhengyuan couldn't help but be stunned and didn't know how to answer the question.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen smiled softly and said with an increasingly calm attitude: "I'm just saying this because I don't want you to just have random thoughts in the future. Let's make it clear and we will have less scruples in the future! I want I have entrusted you with a heavy responsibility, but I cannot let there be a gap between you and me."
Huo Zhengyuan quickly assured: "I don't dare! I understand Zhao Gechen's approach and there will never be any suspicion or estrangement!"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "This matter will be revealed once it is explained clearly... Next, let's talk about business! Bachelor Huo, have you ever thought about serving in Fujian, Zhejiang or Guangdong and Guangxi?"
"Fujian and Zhejiang? Guangdong and Guangxi?" Huo Zhengyuan is indeed the smartest person in the "Zhao Party". He immediately thought of Zhao Junchen's plan from these two places and asked: "Zhao Gechen, do you plan to develop maritime transportation?"
Zhao Junchen still nodded and said: "As the prince goes out to the capital to investigate the illegal and chaotic affairs of the vassals in various places, the 'Eight Kings Shipping Company' jointly established by these vassals will soon collapse! Except for the Anan Bo Zheng family In addition to the fleet, this shipping company is best at shipping smuggling business. It would be a pity to let it disappear like this, so I want to send you to Fujian, Zhejiang or Guangdong and Guangxi to take up a post, and also secretly take over the personnel and personnel of this shipping company. Ship, continue its smuggling business! In addition, I have also sent people to contact Annanbo Zheng Zhilong, and I should receive a reply soon, and the two families can do business together."
Next, Zhao Junchen told Huo Zhengyuan a lot of truth, from the importance of shipping to the huge benefits of smuggling, and then the current situation of the court's food shortage, and Zhao Junchen's future plans for the court to lift the sea ban, etc.
All in all, this is an important task entrusted to Huo Zhengyuan by Zhao Junchen. If Huo Zhengyuan himself is willing to accept this task, he will also receive many explicit or implicit benefits.
However, Zhao Junchen still had another layer of his thoughts that he did not express clearly.
That is to prepare a way out for yourself and your family.
Zhao Junchen has become more and more involved in the power struggle in the temple. Now he is even involved in the fight for the heir, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to escape.
Zhao Junchen originally didn't think there was anything wrong with this situation, but he actually enjoyed it a little.
But after Fang Ru became pregnant, Zhao Junchen's thoughts quietly changed - it was okay for him to involve himself, but he always had to consider the future safety of his wife and children, so finding a way out overseas was also a precautionary measure. In the future.
On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan was also seriously thinking about Zhao Junchen's proposal.
After a long time, Huo Zhengyuan asked: "In other words, after I went to Fujian, Zhejiang or Guangdong and Guangxi, on the one hand, I took over everything from the Eight Kings Shipping Company and continued its smuggling business, and on the other hand, I represented Zhao Gechen and contacted the Annanbo Zheng family. ? But I don’t know, under what name should I go to Fujian, Zhejiang or Guangdong and Guangxi?"
After a pause, Huo Zhengyuan carefully put forward his opinion and said: "Xiaguan has long been accustomed to the prosperity of the capital. If he had a choice, Xiaguan would still prefer to work in Fujian and Zhejiang. Guangdong and Guangxi are really too far away. "
"Fujian and Zhejiang are a bit difficult to handle, and Guangdong and Guangxi are easier to arrange. But since it is the request of Academician Huo Da, I will naturally try my best to satisfy it... Well, how about in the name of the resident imperial envoy?"
Huo Zhengyuan asked in confusion: "Resident imperial envoy? Is there such an old practice in our dynasty?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "Of course it didn't happen before, but it will happen in the future!"
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