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Zhao Junchen could probably guess Emperor Deqing's mentality.
My civilized and martial virtues are already so great...but I am still in my prime years, so I will always have to find something to do for the rest of my life, right?
Still working hard and focusing on government affairs? There are still some things that can be done, such as taking back power from the Six Ministries of Nanjing and strengthening centralization; or weakening the privileges of the vassals and reducing the burden on the court; or continuing to promote commercial tax rectification, Sichuan salt development, and agricultural reform. Waiting for things to consolidate the foundation of the country... But most of these things are already on the right track and have obvious results, and do not require too much energy.
Could it be said that he is arrogant and extravagant, taking in more concubines in the harem, eating more delicacies, and enjoying all the happiness in the world? I am somewhat interested, but I am already in my fifties and sixties... Whether it is the intestines, stomach, spleen, kidneys or other body organs, I am already exhausted but not strong enough. I am afraid that I cannot bear it.
Under this situation, while Emperor Deqing was satisfied with his ambition, he also felt a sense of confusion that he had lost his goal.
The feudal emperors of the past dynasties, no matter how wise or powerful they were, would often turn to Buddhism and Taoism, make friends with alchemists, and seek immortality. There are countless examples.
Emperor Deqing was naturally no exception.
Of course, it would take some time for Emperor Deqing to reach this point, but Zhao Junchen's auspicious act and the absurd story Zhao Junchen made up greatly accelerated Emperor Deqing's psychology. The process of change allowed Emperor Deqing to directly find his next goal - seeking immortality and immortality.
After understanding the change in Emperor Deqing's mentality, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but feel moved in his heart.
It would naturally be a great thing if Emperor Deqing began to turn his attention to cultivating immortality from now on, and no longer only thought about suppressing and scheming Zhao Junchen.
Of course, under such circumstances, there will inevitably be some things that waste people's money and shake the country's foundation, but Zhao Junchen has always been selfish and unscrupulous, so of course he doesn't care much.
Moreover, Zhao Junchen also hoped that Emperor Deqing would spend more money so that the national treasury could still barely maintain a balance of payments, so as to ensure that he was indispensable.
What's more, Zhao Junchen believes that he is sure to minimize the disadvantages of this matter, and even turn disadvantages into advantages and disasters into blessings.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen already made a decision in his heart.
However, Emperor Deqing still only half-believes Zhao Junchen's story. If Zhao Junchen's sworn assurance at this time is true, it will be traced and appear to be too eager, which will arouse Emperor Deqing's suspicion.
If you want to make Emperor Deqing convinced, you must use some small means to guide Emperor Deqing's thinking - a person like Emperor Deqing who is naturally suspicious will never completely trust anyone. You will only believe your own "inference".
Therefore, after hearing Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Zhao Junchen deliberately did not hide his hesitation as he pondered in his heart.
*
Seeing Zhao Junchen's performance, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but show dissatisfaction and asked: "I just asked a simple question, why are you hesitant? Is it possible that there is something unspeakable in this?"
Zhao Junchen sighed and finally replied: "Your Majesty, does it really matter whether the story I told you is true or false? It's like when Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty killed the White Snake or when Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty was born, the house was filled with red light. Regardless of whether it is Whether it is true or not, it will be recorded in history and passed down to future generations, and everyone will understand your majesty’s wisdom and martial prowess because of this story. This is enough.”
Zhao Junchen avoided talking. Emperor Deqing nodded slightly in agreement at first, but soon became more and more impatient and asked again: "In other words, you made up this story?"
Zhao Junchen hesitated again, but nodded and admitted: "Your Majesty, just think that I made it up."
Emperor Deqing took a deep look at Zhao Junchen and suddenly sneered: "If you made up this story, then I will punish you for the crime of deceiving the emperor!"
Zhao Junchen's face changed, and his expression became more hesitant, and he said: "Your Majesty, the theory of gods is too absurd. You are the supreme being in the world, so you should focus on government affairs. Why should you pursue such things? You must confirm it. true and false?"
Emperor Deqing's sneer grew heavier and he said: "Are you trying to pry into my mind? I will ask you one last time whether the story you told is true or false! ... I want you to tell the truth!"
Zhao Junchen looked helpless and lowered his head as he replied: "There are some differences in details, but in general they are all true!"
Emperor Deqing's face lit up with joy, and his tone was a little urgent, and he asked: "Is it really true? Then I ask you again, what is the name of the old immortal? Where is his immortal residence? In addition to giving a few immortal fruits to Besides me, do you have any other instructions? By the way, can these fairy fruits be taken? What magical effects will they have after taking them?"
Zhao Junchen replied: "Your Majesty, the old immortal once said that these immortal fruits are just a gift from him to congratulate you. They have no special magical effect. They only extend your life and refresh your body."
Emperor Deqing couldn't help but look disappointed, but on second thought, he discovered something strange.
Zhao Junchen's answer was not comprehensive, and many questions were still avoided.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen coldly and said slowly: "It seems that I am too tolerant to you! Even the serious crime of deceiving the emperor is just ordinary in your eyes?"
Under Emperor Deqing's gaze, Zhao Junchen raised his sleeves, wiped the non-existent cold sweat on his forehead, and finally sighed again and spoke the "truth": "That old god, he claims to be ' There is no way to know the Three Saints of the South China Sea, but I have been searching through the classics for a while, but I can't find the legend of this immortal..."
Emperor Deqing looked puzzled and asked: "Three Saints of the South China Sea? Could it be that there are three gods?"
Zhao Junchen further explained: "There is only one immortal. He once explained to me the reason for this title. On the one hand, it is because his cave is located on the Three Holy Islands deep in the South China Sea. On the other hand, it is also because he believes that he has both Confucianism and Confucianism. He is the leader of the three schools of Buddhism, Taoism and Buddhism, so he calls himself the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea'."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen secretly raised his eyes and secretly observed Emperor Deqing's expression.
Because it was a spur-of-the-moment plan, Zhao Junchen was not fully prepared, and the story became more and more absurd. Would Emperor Deqing believe it?
Then, Zhao Junchen saw Emperor Deqing's face full of contemplation and fascination, but there was no doubt at all.
He actually believed it!
Emperor Deqing not only believed Zhao Junchen's fabrication, but also believed that he had seen through Zhao Junchen's thoughts based on Zhao Junchen's previous performance.
"Three Saints of the South China Sea, Three Saints of the South China Sea, such great names, but since we are gods alive, it is natural to have such a title..." After sighing with emotion, Emperor Deqing turned his eyes to Zhao Junchen again and reprimanded: "You have always wanted to hide it from me. Do you think that after I know these things, I will neglect state affairs and focus on searching for immortals, or even waste a lot of money on building big ships and sending people out to sea to find the Three Holy Islands?"
What you want! It’s a dream come true!
If Emperor Deqing was willing to spend financial and material resources to build giant ships to go to sea, it would be possible for the Ming Dynasty to catch up with the Age of Discovery!
But on the surface, Zhao Junchen remonstrated with a bitter conscience: "Your Majesty, the theory of gods is too vague. The god I met at that time might just be a folk liar who can do magic tricks. And I How dare you report to Your Majesty in detail? Moreover, Your Majesty is also aware of the current financial and food situation of the imperial court. There is indeed no spare capacity to build ships and go to sea on a large scale! Our government also sent Zheng He to the Western Seas seven times, spending countless money and food, but what happened? Profit? How huge was the fleet at that time? How vast was the sailing range? But there was no news about the Immortal Island! Therefore, there was little hope of going out to sea to find immortals. It would have big disadvantages but no small benefits, and it would not be good for the court. Words are indeed not a good thing..."
However, under such circumstances, the more clearly Zhao Junchen dissuaded and opposed, the more Emperor Deqing felt that this matter was promising, and he no longer doubted that Zhao Junchen's story was false.
Emperor Deqing reprimanded: "Whether he is a real god or a fake liar, you should report the matter to me clearly and leave it to me to decide for myself. How can you hide it without authorization? Should you send a fleet to sea to search for immortals? I should be the one to make the final decision in the world, so how can you interfere arbitrarily? What's more, if you are a liar, how can you plant these natural fairy fruits?
ha! I finally understand. You have been working in the Yamen of the Ministry of Revenue for a long time. You only know about money and food, and your eyes are only focused on financial revenue and expenditure. You are completely unable to see the overall gains and losses. You have completely ignored the long-term prospects. You lose big because of small things. ! Short-sighted! "
During the reprimand, Emperor Deqing did not explain what the overall gains and losses were and what the long-term prospects were.
Of course, Emperor Deqing did not need to explain, Zhao Junchen could understand that the so-called long-term and overall situation was Emperor Deqing's hope for immortality!
Emperor Deqing also understood that seeking immortality was not only illusory and hopeless, but also a waste of national power, a waste of people and money, but he was the emperor, and everything in the world belonged to him, as long as it could increase his hope of immortality even if it cost him even a little bit. No matter how much money and supplies are spent, it is completely worth it.
Of course, Emperor Deqing did not directly express his attitude. Seeing Zhao Junchen lowering his head and listening to the instruction without any rebuttal, but still vaguely dissatisfied, Emperor Deqing's attitude softened a bit.
After all, after finding a new goal, Emperor Deqing became increasingly inseparable from Zhao Junchen's means of making money in a short period of time.
"Don't worry, I do have the intention to seek immortality, but I am not a foolish king, and I will not waste people, money, or national strength because of such things. Even if I take action, I will definitely do it according to my ability! Moreover, I want to find immortals, but also for the sake of the country... Think about it, after finding immortals, if you can persuade the immortals to use magic to benefit the people, our monarchs and ministers will also be able to save a lot of trouble in the future... Apart from anything else, as long as the immortals are willing Give me a way to breed all things, and you will no longer have to worry about the court encountering food shortages..."
After saying what he said insincerely, Emperor Deqing gave Zhao Junchen a few words of comfort, and then changed the topic and said: "So, we still have to find some ways to send some ships to the South China Sea to search for fairy islands within our capabilities... ...Zheng He didn't find the fairy island back then, probably because he didn't have the chance. But now that a god has appeared in this world and presented him with fairy fruits, and left his name and clues, even if the chance comes, he may not return empty-handed. ...Of course, this matter cannot be spread, otherwise it will attract strong opposition from the officials, so it can only be done in private..."
Having said this, Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and looked at Zhao Junchen thoughtfully.
Just as Emperor Deqing said, the search for immortals must not be spread, otherwise not only will the ministers object, but if there is no result in the end, it will also affect the evaluation of Emperor Deqing's history books.
As a result, Emperor Deqing wanted to find immortals, and there were not many candidates who could take on the important task. Apart from Zhao Junchen, there were only those officials of the "imperial party" and the eunuchs of the inner court.
Most of the officials of the "Emperor Party" were nobles and military generals, and were not suitable to take charge of this matter. Emperor Deqing originally wanted to leave this matter to the eunuchs of the inner court, but he was really disappointed with the ability of those eunuchs. He was worried, and Zheng He did not find any news about the fairy island during his seven voyages to the West. Emperor Deqing secretly suspected that the eunuch had incomplete six roots and was unclean, so he was avoided by the gods.
In this case, Zhao Junchen is the best candidate! ——The most important thing is that if Zhao Junchen is allowed to take charge of this matter, he can also use the Ministry of Household Affairs and internal funds to share the money and food investment for going to sea to find immortals.
But Zhao Junchen was obviously opposed to the search for immortals, so Emperor Deqing felt that he had to find a way to mobilize Zhao Junchen's enthusiasm.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and then said: "Junchen, I think it is safest to leave this matter to you. Of course, I will also let the inner court fully assist you... To say the words of sincerity between the emperor and the minister, I actually I have always understood your thoughts. You are always worried that you are too young and have too high a position of power. I will be jealous of the new emperor in a hundred years... Have you ever thought about it, if I really find the art of immortality, what will happen to me? Isn't it a good thing for you? With me here, you will have no worries. If I find the hope of immortality, you and your descendants will be rich and prosperous forever..."
Emperor Deqing called "Junchen" affectionately for a long time, and his attitude seemed to be somewhat sincere. After hearing this, Zhao Junchen also moved slightly, as if he had changed his mind.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Junchen raised his head and said slowly: "Of course I am willing to serve your Majesty, but the current financial and food situation of the imperial court is indeed not good, so I can only do what I can!"
Emperor Deqing smiled with relief, nodded and said, "I mean the same thing, so naturally I won't force it on you!"
In this way, Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen reached an agreement, and both believed that their plan had succeeded.
In the view of Emperor Deqing, as long as Zhao Junchen agrees now, there will naturally be ways to force Zhao Junchen to speed up the progress in the future. At that time, Zhao Junchen will not be able to refuse, and the treasury can also share the pressure of internal funds. It can be said that It's taking advantage.
In Zhao Junchen's view, by using the excuse of seeking immortality for Emperor Deqing, he would be able to conduct ocean-going trade openly in the future, and he could also take the opportunity to take out a sum of money from Emperor Deqing's internal funds to finance shipping, but this was not the case for the province. Saved a lot of time and effort.
During the feudal dynasty, building ships to go to sea was regarded as a waste of people and money, because the ancients always believed that the wealth of the world was constant. The more resources invested in building ships and going to sea, the less resources were invested in the welfare of the people... ...But Zhao Junchen understands that the wealth in this world is fluid and increasing. Building ships to go to sea can not only make a lot of money, but also benefit the people.
Therefore, in the future, there is no need for Emperor Deqing to deliberately push and exert pressure. Zhao Junchen will also invest a lot of resources and will definitely satisfy Emperor Deqing.
Of course, if Emperor Deqing could not realize the astonishing profits of ocean trade, Zhao Junchen would naturally refuse to thank him.
*
In the royal chariot, after the emperor and his ministers discussed some matters about building ships and going to the oceans and searching for immortal ways, Emperor Deqing suddenly thought of something and asked: "By the way, before the southern tour last year, I said that I would build A palace that imitates the Jiangnan garden style. This matter is also entrusted to you. How is the current progress? "
"It's going well!" Zhao Junchen immediately replied: "I have ordered people to find the best stone and wood from the Jiangnan area to build the rockery ponds and forests of the palace, and also ordered people to find the best craftsmen to carve and build them. It will soon create a beautiful scene.”
Over the past year, Emperor Deqing has been thinking about his new palace and would ask Zhao Junchen about the progress every once in a while.
Zhao Junchen did not put too much energy into this new palace. Compared with "going out to sea to find immortals", this new palace was a real waste of people and money, so he kept delaying it, but every time Emperor Deqing asked At the time, Zhao Junchen's answers were "the progress is going smoothly" and "the results are gratifying". However, the completion time of the new palace has been delayed again and again, and the results may not be seen in ten years.
The construction of a large-scale palace originally took several years. Emperor Deqing had not yet noticed Zhao Junchen's delaying plan. After hearing Zhao Junchen's answer, he nodded with satisfaction and said: "I feel that in order to show that I With my heart towards the Tao, there should be another 'Invitation Platform' built in this palace. If I really have a chance to find immortality in the future, I can also use it to entertain the gods. What do you think, my dear?"
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he replied: "If you want to build a pavilion large enough to entertain immortals, the specifications must be very high. I'm afraid it will cost a lot of money."
Emperor Deqing smiled and said: "I believe in Aiqing's methods, so there will naturally be a solution."
Zhao Junchen felt helpless and replied: "In that case, I will do my best."
Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction and explained in detail his detailed requirements for this "Inviting Immortal Terrace". Each requirement required an investment of tens of thousands of silver.
While Zhao Junchen nodded in agreement, he made up his mind to delay it.
At this moment, Emperor Deqing's chariot suddenly stopped.
Then, the monarch and his ministers in the car heard the report from the eunuch Zhang De.
"Your Majesty, the Circular Qiu has arrived, and all the officials have lined up, waiting for you to preside over the heaven-sacrifice ceremony."
Upon hearing the report, Emperor Deqing quickly straightened his clothes and walked out of the chariot with Zhao Junchen waiting on him.
When the officials saw Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen walking out of the royal chariot together, they couldn't help but feel shocked again without knowing the situation!
On the occasion of the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony, Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen were actually traveling in the same car. The political significance of this matter was really important!
Thinking back to the fact that Emperor Deqing gave Zhao Junchen a gold medal to avoid death, many officials suddenly became daydreaming.
Noticing the gazes of the officials, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but frown, only to realize that he was only thinking about finding immortals, but he accidentally sent out the wrong political signal, and he couldn't help feeling regretful.
But at this time, Emperor Deqing had no chance to reverse the situation. He could only make up for it afterwards, pretending not to notice the thoughts of the officials, and walked towards the Temple of Heaven.
Zhao Junchen, on the other hand, walked back to his seat expressionlessly under the gaze of the officials.
Next, the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony officially began. There were no surprises in the series of procedures, so there is no need to mention them.
However, when Emperor Deqing stood on the Temple of Heaven and read aloud the article about worshiping heaven, Zhao Junchen noticed something abnormal.
The second half of this heaven-sacrifice article is neither gorgeous nor rigorous in terms of words and sentences. It is obviously Emperor Deqing's improvisation. The content is all about Emperor Deqing's awe for heaven and his longing for immortality, expressing his future. They will build more temples and worship gods and deities more.
Listening to these contents, Zhao Junchen sighed softly. He felt that the birthday gift he had given to Emperor Deqing this year and the absurd story that was improvised on the spot had caused the situation between the government and the opposition in the Ming Dynasty to completely deviate, and it was vaguely out of control. a feeling of.
As for where the Ming Dynasty would go in the future, Zhao Junchen could not imagine for a while. He could only seize the opportunity to try his best to gain benefits for himself, accumulate strength, and then wait for the day when the overall situation changes.
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Using Emperor Deqing's desire to seek immortality to develop maritime affairs was indeed Chongzi's established idea, but many friends guessed it in advance, which made Chongzi feel frustrated, but after thinking about it, he decided to just keep writing it like this.
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