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At the beginning, Li Ru'an was poor, failed in the exam, and was almost killed by gangsters in the market. It was Zhao Junchen who rescued him;
Then, when Li Ruan found that his life was damaged and fell into unprecedented despair, it was Zhao Junchen who guided him to find a new goal in life;
Then, Li Ru'an was able to successfully enter the inner court as an errand and quickly attracted the attention of the inner court's senior officials. This was due to Zhao Junchen's arrangement;
To this day, it is still because of Zhao Junchen's secret promotion that Li Ru'an was able to catch a ride on the victory of Shaanxi-Gansu and successfully take the position of eunuch in charge of the imperial study!
It can be said that everything Li Ruan has today is given by Zhao Junchen!
Even, to a certain extent, the personality and temperament that Li Ru'an displays today were shaped by Zhao Junchen himself!
Of course, Zhao Junchen had long seen through this man's ambition and unwillingness to be controlled, and could easily guess what Li Ruan was thinking.
For Zhao Junchen, Li Ruan's character is a double-edged sword.
The good thing is that only someone as ambitious and ruthless as Li Ru'an can rise quickly in the inner court and be able to quickly play a role in assisting Zhao Junchen; but the bad thing is that you must Always pay attention to the betrayal in the back of his head to guard against possible loss of control and betrayal.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen has already placed several informants around Li Ruan - in recent years, Zhao Junchen has used various methods and channels to successively arrange for a large number of eunuchs to enter the inner court, and also bribed many low-level eunuchs in the inner court to serve as eyes and ears, and Li Ruan Just one of them.
In this way, Li Ruan's every move cannot escape Zhao Junchen's eyes.
In fact, not long after Li Ruan arrived at He Xin Tower for the banquet, Zhao Junchen had already received detailed information.
Moreover, the various intelligence agencies under Zhao Junchen are now quite large-scale and very efficient in their work. After some targeted investigation, it was soon discovered that the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian had also appeared in Hexin Tower. signs.
When receiving this information, Zhao Junchen was holding a banquet in the Zhao Mansion to celebrate Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin's trip to Taiwan, and also to arrange their future future and tasks.
*
This celebration banquet was very simple, with only a dozen dishes, and only Zhao Junchen, Xu Qingyan, and Mo Xiaolin were present. It could be described as relaxed and casual.
"Xiao Lin, have you changed your mind during this time? Do you still want to make a difference in the military?"
Zhao Junchen asked seemingly casually after putting a piece of fish into Mo Xiaolin's bowl.
Today, Zhao Junchen's foundation in the military has become more and more solid, and his influence in the military is also growing. It makes little sense to arrange for Mo Xiaolin to join the military for development.
From his own point of view, Zhao Junchen actually wanted Mo Xiaolin to stay by his side to do things. This person's character, ability, loyalty, etc. all have merits, and he can play more roles by staying by Zhao Junchen's side.
However, after Mo Xiaolin heard Zhao Junchen's inquiry, he remained firm and did not bother to put down his chopsticks to eat. He immediately stood up and replied: "Old Zhao Ge, I still want to use real swords and guns on the battlefield." To fight for a future, the villain is from a military family. He has been looked down upon since he was a child because he was too handsome. The villain has already sworn in his heart that he must prove himself in the army from now on and become a soldier who guards the frontier and The general who leads the battle!"
Zhao Junchen nodded with regret, but he did not intend to force it. After all, Zhao Junchen had promised Mo Xiaolin a long time ago to arrange a future for him in the army - Zhao Junchen has never been one to stick to his word. , as long as the benefits are big enough, Zhao Junchen will never hesitate to break the contract, but for such small things, Zhao Junchen still has to abide by the agreement.
So, Zhao Junchen just smiled and pressed his hands, and said: "Today is a family dinner, you don't have to be nervous, I won't force you to change your ambitions, just sit down and talk, just be casual, let's talk while eating. "
After saying that, Zhao Junchen first took down his chopsticks and ate a piece of green vegetables, and then said again: "If you really want to stay in the army, I have three choices for you. The first is the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu. Where will I stay?" There are a large number of old ministries, and it is easy to assign you a position of 100 households. As long as you make military achievements in the future, it will not be difficult to further promote to 1000 households. Moreover, the imperial court has just recovered the Hetao area, and I am afraid there will be no peace in the next few years. , you will also have many opportunities to make meritorious deeds!
However, there are risks involved. You entered the battlefield as my substitute. Many people witnessed your heroic appearance on the battlefield. I am afraid they were deeply impressed. If you join the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Army, You might be recognized by someone, which might cause unnecessary trouble, so you have to further change your appearance. "
After Mo Xiaolin thought for a moment, he shook his head and said: "If this is the case, the villain will never go to Shaanxi and Gansu. The villain never cares about his appearance, but the villain's future must not threaten the overall situation of Zhao Gechen, even if it is just It's a little dangerous, and no one dares to take the risk."
Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction - these words were originally intended to test Mo Xiaolin's loyalty and overall concept.
Then, Zhao Junchen continued: "As for the second option, it is to go to Liaodong! The former Guyuan commander-in-chief Fang Zhenshan has now been promoted to the governor of Liaodong, which is equivalent to the permanent imperial envoy arranged by the imperial court in Liaodong. He has a high position of power! But he went to the post alone and lacked support around him. If you are willing to go to Liaodong to assist him, you will definitely be reused. With Fang Zhenshan's methods, he can at least arrange a defensive position for you!
However, for the imperial court, Liaodong Town has long been too big to lose, and it seems to support the troops and support the bandits for self-respect. His Majesty appointed Fang Zhenshan as the governor of Liaodong, in order to check and balance He Yu, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong. In addition, Jianzhou Jurchen has already It is to pay tribute, and there should be no war in the short term. Therefore, after you went to Liaodong, you should not have had the opportunity to go to the battlefield in recent years. Instead, you had to help Fang Zhenshan fight secretly with He Yuming, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong. "
This time, Mo Xiaolin still shook his head and said: "If the villain goes to Liaodong Town, he will be able to reach a high position very quickly, but the villain is only good at fighting on the battlefield and does not know how to fight for power. When the time comes, not only It’s because I’m not comfortable, and maybe it will drag Governor Fang down.”
Zhao Junchen nodded again and said: "As for the last option, that is to go to Guangxi! Zhang Chengxun, the commander-in-chief of the Guangxi garrison, is also mine. Chieftains often make trouble there, and there is no shortage of opportunities to make meritorious deeds on the battlefield. Moreover, it is close to the sea. , and it is close to the Annan Kingdom... You also know that I will have plans to go overseas in the future. The small countries south of my territory are all within my goals! If you go to Guangxi, you can join me at any time. The next step is planned! However, the environment in Guangxi is quite harsh, with a vast land, sparsely populated areas, and poisonous water. You are from the Forbidden Army and have lived in Zhili territory for a long time, so it will be difficult for you to adapt."
This time, Zhao Junchen did not clearly state what kind of future Mo Xiaolin would have after going to Guangxi. Instead, he focused on describing the bad aspects of Guangxi. Mo Xiaolin did not hesitate much. He just pondered for a moment and said: "Little man I would like to go to Guangxi!"
A hint of appreciation flashed in Zhao Junchen's eyes, and he nodded: "In that case, I will give you a handwritten letter tomorrow, and I will also arrange a ship for you. After you rest for a few days, you can rush to Guangxi to join Zhang Chengxun. ! However, this Zhang Chengxun has always kept his eyes open, and Guan Wuyuan was not looked down upon by him as his immediate boss. If I hadn't stopped him one time, he would have beaten Guan Wuyuan in public, so you go If you want to go to him, you have to rely on your true talents and knowledge to make him reuse you. I can't guarantee your future."
Mo Xiaolin's expression was a little excited, and he said, "If this is the case, I feel that I will get along very well with General Zhang in the future."
Zhao Junchen couldn't help but laugh and said, "You are quite confident."
In fact, Zhao Junchen currently has the strongest control over Xuanfu Military Town. It is not difficult to arrange for Mo Xiaolin to enter Xuanfu Town and take up a high position, but it is precisely because Zhao Junchen has strong enough control over Xuanfu Military Town. , so Xuanfu Military Town was not included in the options, and it was even deliberately concealed.
After finishing talking about Mo Xiaolin, Zhao Junchen turned to look at Xu Qingyan, and was about to talk about his arrangements for Xu Qingyan.
Then, Zhao Junchen saw Xu Qingyan eating a braised lion's head with great concentration, chewing slowly and carefully, his mouth full of oil and water.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but shook his head slightly, then thought of something, a smile flashed at the corner of his mouth, and asked: "Qianxue, she has become obsessed with cooking recently, and all the dishes on this table are prepared by her own hands." Yes! However, Qianxue is only good at dishes with a light taste, such as braised lion head, which is a dish with a stronger taste. Others should help her complete it... No wonder you like it so much. "
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan froze, then put down his chopsticks with a smile.
Zhao Junchen was not going to let him go, and asked: "After you returned home, did you go to the kitchen to see Chu Jiayi?"
Xu Qingyan's expression became stiffer and he turned around and said: "I, I just wanted to go to the kitchen in advance to find some food to fill my stomach. I just happened to meet him and I happened to say hello to Madam."
After Zhao Junchen smiled, he stopped entangled and just said: "When a man is alive, he should do something. He must not just think about cheating, cheating, and the love between children! Don't you want to know what I have arranged for you? future?"
Xu Qingyan hesitated for a moment and said: "I still want to stay with the young master. Zhao Dali is a rough guy. He is more than enough to be a guard, but how can he be a good long-term follower... Young master, let me tell you, I want to be a good guard." There are so many things in a long-term follower, such as greeting people and sending them off, cheering and interjecting, observing people's words, these things are all knowledge..."
Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, and said: "You guy, you really regard being a follower as your life ambition, and you have even developed a special set of knowledge. I really don't know whether you are smart or stupid... Don't worry, you can still do it. Follow me, Zhao Dali is indeed not as smart as you, but you will not only follow me from now on, but you will also be fully responsible for the storytellers guild. How important is this organization and what role can it play? What’s most clear is that we must do it well this time and don’t mess up again.”
Xu Qingyan also participated in the storytelling guild when it was first formed. Of course he understood Zhao Junchen's high hopes for this organization, and he himself was also very interested in the operation mode of the storytelling guild - making up stories, exaggerating, Guiding public opinion, bragging and criticizing - these things are simply tailor-made for Xu Qingyan and can give full play to his talents.
"Full responsibility? Fang Ru and the others won't interfere? And they won't point fingers and find faults?" Xu Qingyan asked.
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "The framework of the Storytellers' Guild has been set up, and you don't need to worry about its operating income and expenditure. From now on, you only need to complete the tasks assigned by me. I will only arrange a few staff to assist you."
"Okay! Then I will not disappoint the young master this time!" After receiving Zhao Junchen's guarantee, Xu Qingyan's expression became more excited, and he finally took the first step to take charge of his own business.
Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment and did not tell Xu Qingyan more. On the one hand, because Mo Xiaolin was still on the side, he could not let him know too much about the storytelling guild. On the other hand, he did not want to dampen Xu Qingyan's enthusiasm and control a large organization. It is by no means an easy task. There are many things that Xu Qingyan can only learn after running into obstacles himself.
However, the Storytellers Guild will soon make a big move. This can be regarded as the first test that Xu Qingyan has accepted. Zhao Junchen will keep an eye on it secretly to prevent things from getting out of control.
*
After arranging the future and tasks for Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin, the atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became deserted.
Zhao Junchen had something on his mind and couldn't help but start thinking about Prince Zhu Heyu's affairs again. Mo Xiaolin had always been taciturn and would not take the initiative to stir up the topic at this time. Xu Qingyan also began to think seriously about the Storytellers' Guild and didn't want to Messed up again.
But this calm did not last long and was soon broken.
As footsteps sounded, a Zhao Mansion steward quickly walked into the room. He ignored Xu Qingyan and Mo Xiaolin and just handed Zhao Junchen a note.
Zhao Junchen took a look at it after taking the note, and his expression suddenly became serious.
"Suddenly something happened and I had to leave the table early. You don't need to pay attention to me and just continue to eat."
After saying that, Zhao Junchen stood up and left, quickly rushing to the small study.
When Zhao Junchen entered the study, he found that Fang Ru and Zhang Yu'er had been waiting for a long time, and their faces were a little nervous and serious.
The plan to infiltrate the palace was one of the most secret and core plans among Zhao Junchen's many plans, so his staff were not involved in it. It had always been a few people in the inner house who were in charge, and now they could only work with Fang Ru , Zhang Yuer and two daughters discussed countermeasures.
After Zhao Junchen entered the room, he did not go around in circles, but went straight to the topic and immediately asked: "Did Zhu Hejian secretly meet Li Ru'an?"
Zhang Yu'er also nodded immediately and replied quickly: "Yes, in Hexin Tower in the west of the city, Wu Xinquan, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony, is responsible for setting up the front bridge, and is involved in the whole process! We have been keeping a close eye on these people, so We received the news soon! However, we couldn’t find out what the three of them talked about in He Xin Tower.”
Zhao Junchen sat behind the desk and said coldly: "Oh? So, Wu Xinquan has made it clear that he wants to join Zhu Hejian? I see that there hasn't been much movement from Yuma Supervisor and East and West Second Factory, so I thought he would also wait and see. Change, I didn’t expect to fall in line so quickly.”
Zhang Yu'er sneered: "In the inner court, the Royal Horse Supervisor has always been responsible for military affairs and must rely on the army to function. The East and West Second Factory has always been responsible for detectives and must rely on the Jinyi Guards to do things. However, Emperor Deqing has no regard for military affairs and the Jinyiwei." They have always held it tightly in their hands. Even if they wanted to take refuge with Zhu Hejian, they would never dare to express their stance easily, otherwise Emperor Deqing would easily notice the signs. However, the situation was different with the Supervisor of Ceremonies. All the personnel were from the inner court. Eunuchs, you don’t need to worry too much when taking sides.”
On the other side, Fang Ru said worriedly: "The focus right now is still Li Ruan's matter! The seventh prince Zhu Hejian's methods are extraordinary and extremely deceptive. If Li Ruan betrays the master and takes away all the master's information because of Zhu Hejian's bewitchment, If I inform Yu Zhu Hejian, I'm afraid it will cause serious damage."
Zhao Junchen asked: "Is there any unusual movement in the palace and the Seventh Prince's Mansion?"
Fang Ru replied: "There is no abnormal movement. The Seventh Prince's Mansion is still loose on the outside and tight on the inside. It is now the forbidden period in the palace. All the palace doors are closed, and I haven't heard of any movement."
After hearing this, Zhao Junchen became calmer and said: "Zhu Hejian will try to bribe Li Ru'an for his own use. This has been expected for a long time. I believe that Li Ru'an is a smart man and will not completely surrender to Zhu Hejian immediately. He will only Play both ways and take advantage of the opportunity to gain benefits for yourself!
What's more, what if Li Ru'an leaked my information to Zhu Hejian? I have always been on guard against him and have never let him come into contact with my core plan. At most, I would let Zhu Hejian know that I have been secretly infiltrating the inner court, but so what? Does Zhu Hejian dare to expose me to Emperor Deqing? He would never dare! That would only reveal that he was also infiltrating the inner court! "
After a pause, Zhao Junchen's voice became cold, and he added: "However, just in case, we still have to do what we need to do! If Li Ru'an doesn't confess to me that he and Zhu Hejian are secretly together after the palace gate opens tomorrow, The contact thing means that he is determined to betray me! In this case, this person cannot be kept. "
Speaking of this, a trace of regret flashed across Zhao Junchen's expression. After all, he had spent a lot of effort in supporting Li Ru'an to rise to power.
Zhao Junchen always thought that Zhu Hejian was too ruthless, but in fact, after Zhao Junchen experienced the experience of the Shaanxi-Gansu War, he was decisive in his methods and would not give in too much.
After hearing this, Zhang Yuer immediately nodded and said: "The eunuch who usually delivers meals to Li Ruan is one of ours. His rank in the inner court is not high, and his residence in the palace is not well-defended. It is easy to kill him. Just think about who is better to blame this on."
Since Fang Ru became pregnant, she has not been as firm as before. Now she is still worried about Zhongzhong, saying: "But no matter what, I always feel that this Li Ruan is too ambitious and out of control, and sooner or later he will be a hidden danger! Master You don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse if you support such a person!”
Zhao Junchen had regained his composure and was sympathetic to Fang Ru's emotional fluctuations during her pregnancy. He was not unhappy because Fang Ru questioned his original decision. Instead, he comforted him and said: "Ambitious people may not be capable, but capable people People often have ambitions. Good helpers like Zuo Lanshan and Huo Zhengyuan who are capable and unambitious are really hard to find! If Li Ruan hadn't been ambitious and climbed up the ranks after entering the inner court, he would have I can't get to where I am today. Even if you are loyal to me, you can't provide much help! Things in the world always have pros and cons!
But Ru'er, you don't have to worry. I still need Li Ruan's ambitions. These ambitions can drive him to climb higher and go further in the inner court, so there are many times when I will deliberately indulge him, but when When he reaches a sufficient position, can play a sufficient role, and needs him to do things loyally for me, I will naturally kill the ambitions in his heart with my own hands and not allow him to resist! "
Speaking of the latter, Zhao Junchen's expression was very confident.
Li Ruan was shaped by Zhao Junchen himself, and he knew exactly how to make Li Ruan surrender.
If Li Ruan is unwilling to give in then, Zhao Junchen can easily destroy him!
*
Soon, it was early morning the next day.
On this day, the court meeting had not yet been held. After getting up, Li Ruan just freshened up a little and rushed to the imperial study room for duty.
However, before leaving the room, Li Ruan hid a secret letter in a secret compartment in his room. When he left the room and locked the door, the door lock he used was a little different from usual.
This is the method of contact between Li Ruan and Zhao Junchen. If Li Ruan wants to contact Zhao Junchen urgently, he will leave the room for a period of time and use different styles of door locks when locking the door. After Li Ruan walks away, someone will naturally enter the room from Li Ruan's information was taken away from the secret compartment, and Li Ruan never knew who his contact was from beginning to end.
On the other hand, perhaps because of too much thinking the day before, Zhao Junchen didn't get up until three quarters past midnight. After getting up, he still looked tired.
However, before Zhao Junchen could wash his face and wake up, he saw Xu Qingyan coming to report that it was Li Ruan who had sent a secret letter from the palace.
Zhao Junchen was immediately shocked and quickly took Li Ruan's secret letter and read it.
After reading the secret letter, Zhao Junchen snorted: "This Li Ru'an is really too smart!"
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