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"Save you? Why should I save you?"
When he asked the question, Zhao Junchen's expression was full of indifference and alienation, as if there was no relationship at all between him and Zhang Daoquan.
Zhang Daoquan never expected that Zhao Junchen would respond to him like this. He couldn't help but become more and more panicked, and said repeatedly: "Zhao, Mr. Zhao Ge, I have always been loyal to you! Ever since I came to Beijing. , I always give my best to all your instructions, and I don’t dare to shirk or slack off. There is still hard work without credit..."
At this point, seeing that Zhao Junchen's indifferent attitude had not changed at all, Zhang Daoquan said urgently: "Mingjian! The villain is in trouble now, but in the final analysis, he just accidentally killed a pair of adulterers**. , with your current status, is it not just a matter of saying a word to settle this kind of thing?... If you can help the villain this time, the villain will definitely shed tears of gratitude and his loyalty will become stronger, and he will be more loyal from now on. I will work harder, which will only benefit you and not bring any harm... In short, I, I am still useful, you can't just abandon me like this!"
After talking about it, Zhang Daoquan forced himself to calm down as much as possible, and barely regained some of his usual eloquence. He began to organize words to analyze the pros and cons to Zhao Junchen and try to persuade.
Hearing Zhang Daoquan's statement, Zhao Junchen had a sneer at the corner of his mouth. He seemed to be completely dismissive of Zhang Daoquan's statement, but after all, he felt a little more satisfied in his heart, thinking that Zhang Daoquan still had some merits, and he was not completely lost at this time. Fang Cun did not completely live up to his good intentions.
However, just such a small amount of progress is far from enough to shoulder the important task, and it is far from meeting Zhao Junchen's expectations.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen decided to continue to exert pressure on Zhang Daoquan until he exceeded Zhang Daoquan's psychological endurance limit.
Only in this way can Zhang Daoquan's character undergo a drastic change.
So, after Zhao Junchen sneered, he asked again in a cold tone: "Loyal? Ha! Loyal! If everyone is as loyal as you, then wouldn't I be a blind, lonely man who betrays everyone?"
After speaking, with Zhao Junchen's glance, Li Muhe, the host of "Tongji Temple", immediately took out a booklet and threw it at Zhang Daoquan's feet.
Zhang Daoquan looked at the booklet in front of him and was a little stunned for a moment. He obviously didn't know what the content of the booklet was, and he didn't understand why Li Muhe took out the booklet to show him at this time.
On the other side, Li Muhe said slowly: "After receiving the news tonight, in order to prevent the news from leaking, I immediately sent people to control Ma Zhong's residence, and this booklet... was obtained from Ma Zhong's residence. Found it in a secret room."
After Zhang Daoquan heard Li Muhe's explanation, he seemed to have thought of something, and his expression changed again. After timidly taking a peek at Zhao Junchen's expression change, he finally picked up the book with trembling hands and flipped through it.
Soon, the last trace of blood on Zhang Daoquan's pale face quickly faded.
Since this booklet was found from Ma Zhong's residence, it was naturally written by Ma Zhong. Before seeing Ma Zhong and his wife committing adultery tonight, Zhang Daoquan had always trusted Ma Zhong. He even regarded Ma Zhong as his successor, and he never thought of deliberately hiding many things from Ma Zhong.
Therefore, whether it is secretly moving the money that Zhao Junchen secretly funds Tongji Temple on weekdays, or the occasional complaints made after being beaten by Zhao Junchen, or the small actions of secretly contacting other court forces without telling Zhao Junchen, Ma Zhong knew all these things clearly, and they were all recorded in detail in this booklet.
Ma Zhong's intention to record these things in private is obvious, that is, one day, when the time is right, he will dedicate this booklet to Zhao Junchen and overthrow Zhang Daoquan in one fell swoop!
In short, Ma Zhong is a despicable, ungrateful villain who only seeks glory! He not only wants to possess Zhang Daoquan's wife, but also wants to possess everything Zhang Daoquan has, and has been planning for a long time.
Therefore, after seeing the contents of this booklet, Zhang Daoquan became more and more frightened, and his hatred for Ma Zhong became even stronger. He felt that he was blind to trust such an unfamiliar person. White-eyed wolf!
At the same time, Zhang Daoquan finally knew the reason for Zhao Junchen's indifferent attitude towards him.
For him, the top priority now is no longer his own life lawsuit, but to win back Zhao Junchen's trust again.
Otherwise, even if the government would not pursue him for murder, Zhao Junchen would never let go of his suspicion of disloyalty and injustice.
In comparison, the latter is much more serious than the former.
So, Zhang Daoquan immediately knelt down in front of Zhao Junchen and kowtowed repeatedly, explaining in a trembling voice: "Old Zhao Ge, these things, these things can be explained by a villain...
The reason why the villain secretly contacted Zhou Shangjing's people was not to betray Mr. Zhao Ge. He just wanted to use the power of the "Zhou Party" to expand the influence of "Tongji Temple" and then do things better for Mr. Zhao Ge. , by the way, I just want to develop a few believers in the 'Zhou Party'! Moreover, this matter was all due to Ma Zhong's instigation from beginning to end. When the villain found that it was difficult to infiltrate the top leaders of the 'Zhou Party', he immediately cut off contact, and never revealed that Mr. Zhao Ge and Tongji Temple's relationship...
Also, villains occasionally say unintentional nonsense, but they are by no means rebellious, and they are not as serious as what is written in this booklet. They are just a few insignificant complaints. Mr. Zhao Ge But you must believe me, Ma Zhong is a rebellious person by nature, and the contents in his booklet are all exaggerations, just to sow discord..."
Of course, Zhao Junchen knew that Zhang Daoquan's explanations were not false, because Zhao Junchen had always closely monitored Zhang Daoquan, and he also knew that Zhang Daoquan had not shown any resistance in recent years. He took out this booklet just to further force Zhang Daoquan. That’s all.
Therefore, after Zhao Junchen heard Zhang Daoquan's explanation, his tone remained cold and he said: "No matter whether Ma Zhong exaggerated or sow discord, even if only one third of the content in this booklet is true... I shouldn't continue Keep you, let alone save you.”
Seeing these few words of his own, Zhang Daoquan was about to be completely thrown into the abyss. Zhang Daoquan was trembling all over and was about to reach the limit of his psychological endurance. However, Zhao Junchen changed the subject and said slowly: "You want me to save you, but you don't know it at all." The principle that the strong saves himself! Everyone in the world believes that 'the strong are lucky to be strong', and attribute the reversal of fate of some successful people entirely to luck, but they completely fail to see the true meaning of these four words! Why are the strong lucky to be strong? Because everyone is optimistic about those strong people and is willing to help those strong people, they will be able to reap huge rewards in the future. The so-called "strong people will be strong" is essentially "the strong will help more". With help from all parties, it will naturally be Have good luck...
I think you didn't seem to understand what I meant just now, and you just emphasized your ridiculous loyalty, so I'll ask you one last time now... Why should I save you instead of Ma Zhong? Judging from the current situation, Ma Zhong is more valuable to me. He is more scheming and seems to be more loyal than you. "
Hearing this, Zhang Daoquan finally came to his senses and said with shock: "Ma Zhong? Ma Zhong? Isn't Ma Zhong already killed by me... He, he is still alive?"
Zhao Junchen nodded directly and said: "Yes, Ma Zhong is still alive, so you are too incompetent to kill him in this situation. Although he is covered in bruises and blood, all the wounds are not deep. It's just a lot of bleeding, and it doesn't even count as a serious injury. If you really kill him, I will still look at you favorably, so you don't have to worry about being sued for taking someone's life...
But you must seriously think about how you are going to prove your worth and your loyalty to me again now! Otherwise, tomorrow, the chief host of Tongji Temple will no longer be you, but Ma Zhong!
As for you, you know too many things, and you are suspected of being disloyal. You will disappear from this world silently. No one will be surprised, and it will not cause any waves... Haha, you just had One sentence is quite good. With my current status, it only takes one sentence to settle such a matter. "
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen's expression seemed careless, but his eyes were fixed on Zhang Daoquan's change in demeanor.
Zhao Junchen's words have reached this point. If Zhang Daoquan still cannot understand the deep meaning of Zhao Junchen and cannot further grow according to Zhao Junchen's vision, then Zhao Junchen will have no choice but to abandon him completely.
On the other side, Zhang Daoquan seemed to understand the scope of Zhao Junchen's words, and said quickly: "The villain can continue to control the Tongji Temple for Mr. Zhao Ge, and continue to develop believers as informants, whether it is collecting information, or infiltrating the government and the public, Or amassing money, a villain can do it..."
Before Zhang Daoquan could finish speaking, Zhao Junchen raised his hand to interrupt again and said coldly: "Ma Zhong can also do these things! 'Tongji Temple' is now on the right track, even without Ma Zhong, like Li Muhe They can do the same, you are not indispensable!”
Zhang Daoquan was stunned at first, and then said quickly: "But the villain's preaching methods are much better than Ma Zhong. Although Ma Zhong is scheming, his talents are far inferior to the villain, and he is not as familiar with the teachings of various sects as the villain. The development of 'Tongji Temple' to what it is today, in addition to the secret support of Mr. Zhao Ge, is also inseparable from the villain's preaching methods... If Mr. Zhao Ge continues to use me, the development of 'Tongji Temple' will definitely be Much better than leaving it to Ma Zhong..."
Zhao Junchen was still dismissive and said: "Your preaching method is indeed good, but in the final analysis it is just to confuse some stupid men and women at the bottom of the folk. Do you still have the ability to confuse those court officials? For me? It doesn’t have much effect.”
Zhang Daoquan couldn't help but be speechless, and his expression became increasingly depressed. He found that he could not find any reason to change Zhao Junchen's mind, and he was completely in a desperate situation.
Just like that, the atmosphere in the room suddenly fell into silence. Zhao Junchen quietly waited for a cup of tea. Seeing Zhang Daoquan's expression gradually falling into despair, but no longer able to fight for himself, he couldn't help but secretly sighed, thinking that he could transform himself. Zhang Daoquan's plan has most likely failed. From now on, Zhang Daoquan can only be completely abandoned. The plan to use Zhang Daoquan to seduce Emperor Deqing can only be put on hold for the time being.
Under such circumstances, Zhao Junchen was naturally extremely disappointed, but there were not many surprises. Changes in human nature are the most difficult things to control in the world. It is not easy to completely change a person's character with just a few tricks. It is difficult, but it is very difficult to control a person's mind to change its direction. To a large extent, it can only depend on God's will.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen shook his head and sighed, saying: "In that case, I remember your hard work, and I am not a person who does not miss the old relationship, but what else do you want to say in your will?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Zhang Daoquan's body couldn't help but trembled again.
Zhang Daoquan thought that when he was about to die with his eyes open, the traitor Ma Zhong, whom he hated so much, was trying to take away everything from him. The unwillingness and resentment deep in his heart gradually suppressed the original panic and helplessness, and his expression gradually became distorted.
Then, Zhang Daoquan seemed to have thought of something suddenly, and his expression became uncertain again, but soon turned into an almost twisted determination. He suddenly raised his head and said: "Mr. Zhao Ge, now that things have happened, the villain is also helpless." There is nothing to say, I just hope that you can let the villain meet Na Ma Zhong again before you deal with him! The villain thinks that he has never been kind to him, so I want to ask him why he deliberately betrayed the villain... from now on. Be able to be an understanding person."
Seeing Zhang Daoquan's expression change, Zhao Junchen suddenly felt something in his heart. An inexplicable smile flashed across his face. He nodded and said: "Of course, you have done a lot for me anyway. I am also a person who misses old friendships. So what if I just let you meet Ma Zhong again?"
After saying that, Zhao Junchen winked at Zhao Dali, and then asked Zhao Dali to lead Zhang Daoquan to see Ma Zhong.
After Zhao Dali led Zhang Daoquan away, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but ask: "Master, are you really going to give up on Zhang Daoquan? And then hand over the 'Tongji Temple' to that Ma Zhong? I think Ma Zhong can do his best today. By betraying Zhang Daoquan, he might stab us in the back at critical moments in the future, and I’m afraid it would be better for Zhang Daoquan to use it safely and smoothly."
In Xu Qingyan's view, since Emperor Deqing began to have the idea of seeking immortals and visiting Taoism, Zhao Junchen has paid more and more attention to Zhang Daoquan's ability in preaching, establishing Taoism and confusing believers. This ability seems to be just heresy, but it can also be used in Playing a key role at the right time, it is indeed not easy to find another talent who can replace Zhang Daoquan, and Zhang Daoquan is easier to control. Although there are inevitably some small tricks in the secret, he is still loyal overall.
In comparison, Ma Zhong was too scheming and difficult to control. He was also a naturally rebellious white-eyed wolf. His betrayal of his master and adultery with his wife made Xu Qingyan despise him. His talents in related fields were far inferior to Zhang Daoquan's and were not enough. Assist Zhao Junchen in promoting the next plan.
Therefore, seeing that Zhao Junchen was about to abandon Zhang Daoquan, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but feel a little confused. He only felt that Zhao Junchen gave up too quickly and should try again.
Zhao Junchen picked up the tea cup and took a sip. There was a hint of inexplicable meaning in his expression, and he said leisurely: "Let's see again, maybe... Zhang Daoquan will behave in an unexpected way."
As if to confirm Zhao Junchen's speculation, just as Zhao Junchen finished speaking, a low cry suddenly sounded from the wing where Ma Zhong was not far away, and then Zhang Daoquan heard a burst of laughter. It seemed that something had happened What an accident.
Soon, Zhao Dali hurried back to the living room, with a hint of horror on his expression, and reported quickly: "Mr. Zhao Ge, after I led Zhang Daoquan to see Ma Zhong, Zhang Daoquan didn't say a word after seeing Ma Zhong. , rushed forward and grabbed Ma Zhong's neck, trying to strangle Ma Zhong to death in one breath. Unexpectedly, he seemed so thin and had such great strength. He was completely unlike the soft-footed shrimp before. The villain suddenly Time cannot be stopped."
Zhao Junchen was not surprised, and just asked: "Then what? Did you stop him?"
Zhao Dali shook his head and said: "The villain was about to pull him away, but suddenly remembered Mr. Zhao Ge's plan and the hint in his eyes just now, so except for subconsciously stopping him at first, he ignored him. ...Now Ma Zhong has been strangled to death by Zhang Daoquan."
Zhao Junchen nodded again and did not care about Ma Zhong's life and death - people like Ma Zhong, even without Zhang Daoquan's intervention, Zhao Junchen would not reuse him in the future. He would only regard him as a hidden danger and sooner or later he would find an opportunity to get rid of him - - In comparison, Zhao Junchen only cares about Zhang Daoquan's change of character at this time.
Was Zhang Daoquan's strangulation of Ma Zhong an act to vent his anger? Or do you have other considerations? This is critical.
So, Zhao Junchen asked again: "Where is Zhang Daoquan?"
Zhao Dali replied: "After he strangled Ma Zhong to death, he laughed a few times, then suddenly regained his composure, and then asked the villain for paper and pen, saying that he wanted to write a confession of his murder, and also He wanted to hand this incriminating statement to Mr. Zhao Ge for safekeeping... He also said that since Mr. Zhao Ge began to doubt his loyalty, this incriminating document was a guarantee of his unswerving loyalty in the future. He is still staying in Ma Zhong's house. The indictment is written in the room."
It seems that Zhang Daoquan finally understood the way to prove his loyalty to Zhao Junchen, and his temperament also changed in the direction Zhao Junchen expected.
With Zhang Daoquan's performance today, Zhao Junchen did not worry that his legs would weaken before he could speak to Emperor Deqing in the future.
So, after Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he nodded and said: "In that case, after he finishes writing the indictment, I will bring him to see me again."
Then, Zhao Junchen turned to Li Muhe and said: "Starting from tomorrow, the secret worship of the Three Saints of the South China Sea in the 'Tongji Temple' can be quietly leaked to some believers... Also, in the future, we must further monitor the entire nervous system. , He was indeed easy to control in the past, but in the future... it will be difficult to say when his character changes."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen's expression was a little complicated.
Zhao Junchen didn't worry about Zhang Daoquan's loyalty in the past, because he didn't betray Zhao Junchen's government or courage at all, but his character was not good enough to take on the big responsibility. But after what happened tonight, Zhang Daoquan's character has changed. , we can expect him to take on more important tasks in the future, but at the same time, it also means that Zhang Daoquan has the power and courage to betray Zhao Junchen. This is by no means guaranteed by just a confession.
Things in the world are always so difficult to have both ends.
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Happy New Year!
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