...
...
Playing hard to get is the sixteenth tactic of the Thirty-six Strategies, which means deliberately indulging the enemy, making the enemy relax his guard and fully exposed, and then taking advantage of the enemy's relaxation to catch him in one fell swoop, in order to reduce casualties and prevent the enemy from being cornered. Under the circumstances, choose to fight against the odds.
In the art of war, such methods are common sense, and even Guan Wuyuan and his ilk can talk about it on paper.
But in the officialdom, it is often the opposite. It is "trying to escape", that is, after setting a trap, then placing a bait on top of the trap and waiting until the opponent wants to go in the direction of the trap. Sometimes, they will resolutely oppose his ideas, put on a posture of facing a formidable enemy, take advantage of the opponent's rebellious psychology, make the opponent believe that his idea is correct, and induce the opponent to implement his idea more firmly, and finally You will jump into the trap without hesitation.
Compared with the purpose of "playing hard to get" in the art of war is to reduce one's own casualties, the purpose of using "play hard to get" in officialdom is not only to lure opponents into a trap, but also to clear one's own responsibilities - you see , I was firmly opposed to you doing this at the beginning, so I am not responsible for this matter from beginning to end. Naturally, I did not set this trap. Otherwise, why would I oppose you in the first place?
If the target is someone who has no independent opinions and a weak personality, the method of "playing hard to get" is probably useless and may even be counterproductive. But if it is targeted at someone with a strong personality, a suspicious mind, and a stubborn person, this method will be useless. Ordinary methods often produce miraculous results.
It just so happened that Emperor Deqing was a man with a strong character, a suspicious mind, and a stubborn heart.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen also used the method of "playing hard to get" at this time.
Zhao Junchen always prepares for rainy days and is prepared with both hands at any time, and never puts all his eggs in one basket. For example, when he faced the government's food shortage concerns, although he placed his hopes on his own ocean-going plan, he also never put his eggs in one basket. He will not place all his hopes on the ocean plan. In order to prevent unexpected changes and temporary setbacks in the ocean plan, Zhao Junchen made a new plan today to use the feudal land to purchase grain in exchange for large private households to stockpile grain. This two-pronged approach will help him get through it smoothly. The chances of success in this food shortage can be greatly improved.
The same is true now. Zhao Junchen does not have much confidence in the layout of the "Tongji Temple", and he is not completely sure that he can deceive Emperor Deqing, so he naturally wants to be the first to clear up the suspicion and responsibility on himself. In this way, he can use The "Tongji Temple" plan to seduce Emperor Deqing failed, and Zhao Junchen's losses would not be particularly great.
*
At this time, after Emperor Deqing heard Zhao Junchen's stop, he noticed the change in Zhao Junchen's expression. His old eyes couldn't help but narrowed slightly. Apparently, he thought that Zhao Junchen's impatient dissuasive attitude must be hiding something unspeakable. The reason for suing.
But Emperor Deqing's expression remained unchanged, and he just asked seemingly casually: "Oh? Why can't we go to the 'Tongji Temple'? Is it a wolf's den and a tiger's den?"
Zhao Junchen's face was still serious and he explained: "Your Majesty, I have also heard of this 'Tongji Temple'. The teachings of this temple can be described as nondescript and absurd. They actually enshrine various religious leaders at the same time. What's the meaning of 'Red'?" White lotus roots and green lotus leaves, the three religions turned out to be one family, which also aroused the opposition of Buddhism and Taoism, thinking that this temple was close to a cult... In fact, I heard about the Tongji Temple 'After the rumors about it, I have been hesitant to report it to the court and ask the court to issue a decree to completely ban it! Therefore, if His Majesty goes to such a place, once the news is spread in the future, I am afraid it will cause a lot of trouble dispute!"
After Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he first took a deep look at Zhao Junchen. Thinking of the situation at the "Tongji Temple" and then Zhao Junchen's dissuasive attitude, he couldn't help but feel a move in his heart, but he suddenly laughed, thinking that After seeing through Zhao Junchen's little calculation, I also figured out Zhao Junchen's current thoughts.
So Emperor Deqing asked slowly: "Junchen, how much do you think I know about you?"
"Of course, you don't understand it at all. Most of your knowledge of Zhao Junchen comes from before I traveled through time. In addition, I have been disguising myself after traveling through time. Your understanding of me is not only completely blank, but also It’s still completely wrong! It’s precisely because of this that I can take advantage of you time and time again!”
After having such thoughts in his mind, Zhao Junchen lowered his head slightly, as if to hide his guilty conscience, and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty's eyes are as bright as fire, and I can never hide my thoughts from Your Majesty!"
Emperor Deqing nodded slightly and said: "Yes, I know you very well. Even if you have grown rapidly in recent years and become more sophisticated in your methods, it is always difficult to change a person's fundamental nature! In fact, you are very similar to the prince. , always after recognizing a truth, he will not hit the wall and never look back. It's just that the prince is stubborn and rigid in his dogma, while you are fearless and wanton!
Therefore, when you were a middle-level official in the Ministry of Household Affairs, you dared to interfere with the final decision-making of the Ministry of Household Affairs. When you were the Minister of Household Affairs, you dared to sideline the Minister of Household Affairs. When you were not yet powerful, you dared to compete with the people in charge. Chaoge Lao is tit for tat. Even if everyone in the world hates you to the core, you don't care. In recent years, your methods have become much more sophisticated, but your stubborn and reckless temper has become more and more obvious. Whether it is commercial tax rectification, agricultural reform, etc. Whether it's the civil service reform or the Shaanxi-Gansu War, as long as you recognize a truth, you will risk the disapproval of the world and push it forward without caring about the consequences of failure! "
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen couldn't tell whether this comment was praise or disparagement for a while, so he had to remain silent.
In a certain respect, there are indeed some similarities between Zhao Junchen's various performances before and after time travel, but they are completely different in essence. To put it bluntly, Zhao Junchen's predecessor was just short-sighted and unscrupulous relying on divine favor, while After Zhao Junchen traveled to this world, he seemed to act recklessly and recklessly, but in fact every step was carefully considered and the consequences of failure were carefully considered.
However, Emperor Deqing only saw the appearance and thought that the two performances were exactly the same.
On the other side, Emperor Deqing continued: "It is precisely because I know you very well that after hearing your reason for dissuading just now, I couldn't help but be curious... With your usual indifferent character, if I really can’t understand the teachings of the Tongji Temple. I’m afraid you’ve already reported to the court to ban it? With your current position of power, it’s easy to ban a temple? Why are you still hesitant? You have been delaying it until today and still haven't taken any action? Is it possible that there is something about this 'Tongji Temple' that makes you feel afraid?
For example, you have secretly received news that a true god is secretly enshrined in the Tongji Temple? And this true god is the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea' that I have always wanted to find? You have always been opposed to my search for immortals, so you naturally tried every means to avoid my contact with the Tongji Temple. But at the same time, you have also seen the immortal traces of the Three Saints of the South China Sea with your own eyes, so when you After discovering that the 'Tongji Temple' secretly enshrined the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea', I didn't dare to seriously take action to ban it, fearing that I would offend the true God, but this?
ha! Do you really think you can hide these things from me? "
After hearing Emperor Deqing's continuous questioning, Zhao Junchen secretly raised his eyes to observe the change in Emperor Deqing's expression. His expression was full of shock and asked: "This... Your Majesty, you already know what is inside the 'Tongji Temple'" Are you secretly worshiping the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea'?"
Emperor Deqing snorted softly and said: "This world belongs to me, so what can you hide from me? Whether it is the matter of the 'Tongji Temple' enshrining the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea' or your little thoughts, I am all aware of fire!"
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing's expression seemed dissatisfied, but he was slightly proud in his heart.
After all, in Emperor Deqing's view, he could easily see through Zhao Junchen's thoughts and reveal Zhao Junchen's thoughts just through some clues. This could be regarded as a powerful counterattack against Zhao Junchen's previous plan to deliberately lead him to East Street.
As a senior official in the court and a powerful official in the temple, Zhao Junchen had no way to hide in front of him. Such a sense of accomplishment was rare for Emperor Deqing, and naturally Emperor Deqing couldn't help but be secretly proud.
At the same time, after realizing that Zhao Junchen had already discovered that Tongji Temple secretly enshrined the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" but had been hiding it from him, Emperor Deqing was a little unhappy, but he didn't feel special. Angry, after all, Zhao Junchen had good intentions.
Just when Emperor Deqing was secretly proud, Zhao Junchen finally "gave up the struggle" and sighed: "Your Majesty is wise... In fact, I also know that I can't hide this little thought from Your Majesty no matter what." , but your Majesty, you also understand my attitude. This matter of seeking immortals and visiting Taoism is too illusory. Are you asking for more? So I still cannot agree with Your Majesty that you spend too much energy on this kind of thing!"
Many times, deliberately letting your boss reveal your innocent thoughts to show your boss's wisdom and brilliance, and then showing helpless admiration, is the best way to please.
Zhao Junchen also knows this well.
Therefore, when he heard Zhao Junchen's dissuasion again, Emperor Deqing still did not feel angry. He only waved his hand to interrupt Zhao Junchen's dissuasion and said: "I have made up my mind! Please don't dissuade me any more on this matter." , I didn’t blame you for deliberately concealing the news this time, so I was extremely merciful!
I won't hide it from you. This time I paid a private visit incognito not only to understand the sentiments of the people, but also to go to the Tongji Temple to search for the fairy. My thoughts have been made clear to you a long time ago, and you can't persuade me! What's more, how can you be sure that my trip to Tongji Temple this time was not an opportunity deliberately arranged by the immortal? "
After saying that, Emperor Deqing ignored Zhao Junchen's dissuasion and directly ordered Zhang De: "Go to the 'Tongji Temple'!"
As an eunuch serving Emperor Deqing, Zhang De naturally ignored Zhao Junchen's attitude at this time. After hearing Emperor Deqing's instructions, he immediately whipped his horse and drove the carriage towards the western suburbs of the capital.
*
However, when the carriage moved forward again, Zhao Junchen's face was full of helplessness, and he remained silent, and the atmosphere in the carriage was also a little dull.
However, Emperor Deqing did not intend to let Zhao Junchen go.
Looking sideways at Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing quickly broke the silence and asked: "Actually, I only received the news yesterday and learned that the 'Tongji Temple' secretly enshrines the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea', but Why were you able to receive the news earlier than me? If you hadn't unintentionally shown a flaw just now, I might not have been able to detect the signs that you had received the news in advance."
Zhao Junchen sighed again and said truthfully: "Since I can't hide it from Your Majesty, I dare not hide it... In fact, I have known Zhang Daoquan, the chief abbot of 'Tongji Temple' for more than a year. 'Tongji Temple' can He came to the capital to preach, all because I had given him a sum of money."
After Emperor Deqing began to pay attention to the "Tongji Temple", there were certain things that he could not hide and would inevitably be found out, so Zhao Junchen also planned to take the opportunity to "confess" - naturally a half-truth and half-false kind of "confession".
Emperor Deqing really didn't expect this time that there was such a relationship between Zhao Junchen and "Tongji Temple". He immediately frowned and asked: "What is going on? Tell me in detail!"
Zhao Junchen explained: "Your Majesty, do you still remember that I went to Lu'an Prefecture in Shanxi to relieve the locust plague the year before last? The people there were not yet enlightened and only regarded this locust plague as a punishment from the locust god. Even if the locusts were overwhelming, After eating all the food in the fields, the people still did not dare to extinguish the locusts for fear of further offending the locust god. At that time, I felt that continuing like this was not an option and would only make the locust plague worse and even affect surrounding prefectures and counties. , so he decided to exterminate the locusts, but he was worried that the people would not be able to understand and trigger a civil uprising, so he thought of a way, which was to use religion to teach, and bring out a god with a higher status and greater influence to express his support for the eradication of the locusts. In this way, The common people will no longer be afraid of offending the Locust God!"
Emperor Deqing nodded and said, "This is a good idea."
Zhao Junchen continued: "But after I asked about the religious situation in Lu'an Mansion, I found that the most influential religion in the place was not Buddhism and Taoism, but this 'Tongji Temple'. I didn't think much about it at the time. , directly found Zhang Daoquan, the abbot of Tongji Temple, and asked Zhang Daoquan to stand up and express his support for the eradication of locusts. Who would have thought that this Zhang Daoquan would not accept hard and soft policies, but only proposed a deal, asking the ministers to provide money to help him destroy Tongji Temple. The temple moved to the capital to spread the teachings, and then he came forward to support the eradication of locusts. I had no choice but to agree to the deal, and the locust plague was successfully extinguished. I then kept my promise and handed it over to him. A sum of money allowed him to move the 'Tongji Temple' to the capital...
But it is precisely because of this incident that I lost a fortune. In addition, the teachings of Tongji Temple are too absurd, so I have never liked Tongji Temple, and I even thought about finding Tongji Temple. Because of the troubles in the temple, I secretly investigated the situation of the Tongji Temple. It was at that time that I learned that the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" were secretly enshrined in the Tongji Temple. "
Emperor Deqing had a suspicious character. When he learned about the special relationship between Zhao Junchen and the Tongji Temple, he naturally couldn't help but think more. At this time, he even found a flaw and immediately asked: "Oh ?Since you have long been dissatisfied with the 'Tongji Temple', why haven't you taken action yet? When did your patience become so good?"
Zhao Junchen had already responded to Emperor Deqing's doubts, and replied hesitantly: "Of course I have deliberately targeted the 'Tongji Temple'. In fact, when the 'Tongji Temple' first came to the capital, I secretly Instigated Puling Temple, the most influential temple in the capital, to go to Senglusi to sue Tongji Temple. Both the abbot of Puling Temple and the officials of Senglusi knew about this matter, but in the next few days, the minister continued to complain every night. It was a series of nightmares. In the dream, someone seemed to warn me not to cause trouble with the 'Tongji Temple' again. They also said that if I let the 'Tongji Temple' go, I would be rewarded in the future... Those nightmares were too terrifying. , I woke up in the middle of the night every day, and finally stayed away from the 'Tongji Temple' out of the belief that I would rather believe it."
In fact, when "Tongji Temple" came to the capital, Zhao Junchen did encourage Puling Temple to sue "Tongji Temple" in order to clear up the relationship, but this matter was also settled secretly by Zhao Junchen.
On the other side, the story told by Zhao Junchen was so absurd that the suspicion in Emperor Deqing's heart not only did not lessen, but intensified.
In fact, if Emperor Deqing had not become very knowledgeable about the search for immortals, he would have regarded the stories told by Zhao Junchen as strange stories and would not have believed them at all.
So, Emperor Deqing's eyes narrowed again - this was his signature move when he was suspicious - and he asked: "Then what? You didn't cause any more trouble with 'Tongji Temple', did you receive any reward from the immortal afterwards? "
Zhao Junchen hesitated again, but said: "After much thought, the immortal gave those immortal fruits to me and asked me to forward them to His Majesty. This should be the so-called reward. After all, I am not involved in this matter. You have benefited a lot from me, otherwise there are countless virtuous ministers in the dynasty, so why did the immortal choose this minister to present the immortal fruit to His Majesty?"
When Emperor Deqing heard Zhao Junchen mention those printed apples, he couldn't help but think deeply. He also felt that Zhao Junchen's statement made sense, and his doubts were reduced by half in an instant.
The few printed apples that Zhao Junchen presented to Emperor Deqing had completely exceeded the limits of people's understanding in this era. They were naturally regarded as auspicious and miraculous. Emperor Deqing is now so obsessed with the matter of seeking immortals and visiting Taoism. My heart is entirely because of those few fruits.
In fact, probably due to psychological effects, ever since Emperor Deqing solemnly took those "fairy fruits", he has only felt refreshed and in excellent physical condition these days.
Therefore, because of these printed apples, the absurd stories told by Zhao Junchen actually gained a lot of credibility, and also alleviated many doubts in Emperor Deqing's mind.
After a long silence, Emperor Deqing nodded slightly and said: "At this time, I would rather believe that it is right than to offend the immortal unintentionally!"
After a pause, Emperor Deqing ordered: "Since you know Zhang Daoquan, the abbot of 'Tongji Temple', the rest of the matter will be easier to handle. After we, the monarch and your ministers, go to the 'Tongji Temple', you will be in charge." Communicating with Zhang Daoquan allows us to directly observe the statues of the 'Three Saints of the South China Sea' and see if there will be a chance to appear."
Zhao Junchen sighed again, as if he felt that Emperor Deqing was getting deeper and deeper, but now he had no reason to stop him, so he could only reply: "I obey the order."
*
Although Zhang De was an eunuch serving Emperor Deqing, he was also very skilled in driving. It only took him half an hour to drive to the outside of the "Tongji Temple".
Next, Zhao Junchen quickly contacted the person in charge of the "Tongji Temple". Although he revealed his identity, he still concealed the identity of Emperor Deqing. He only said that he was an elder of his family and expressed that he would " Take a tour inside the Tongji Temple.
At this time, Zhang Daoquan was hosting a missionary meeting and did not come forward immediately. The person who received them was Li Muhe, the second abbot of the "Tongji Temple".
Because of Zhao Junchen's distinguished status, Li Muhe also received the news in advance. Naturally, he did not dare to block Zhao Junchen and others' tour, but just accompanied them.
Emperor Deqing had learned in advance from Xu Sheng yesterday the location of the side hall secretly enshrining the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" in the "Tongji Temple". He was also in a hurry at this time and had no intention of delaying the trip. Go straight to the deepest part of "Tongji Temple".
In this way, with just a stick of incense, Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen and others had arrived at the door of a hidden side hall, and then Emperor Deqing planned to push the door open and enter.
According to the information provided by Xu Sheng, the statues of the "Three Saints of the South China Sea" are enshrined in this side hall.
Seeing Emperor Deqing's actions, Li Muhe immediately dissuaded him and said: "Pilgrim, wait a minute, this pavilion is a hidden place in the temple, and it has never been open to outsiders..."
However, Emperor Deqing completely ignored Li Muhe's dissuasion and still pushed the door in with his own hands.
But then, the moment Emperor Deqing pushed open the palace door, the palace was suddenly filled with light, shooting out countless dazzling golden rays. Because these golden rays were too dazzling, Emperor Deqing subconsciously closed his eyes to block it.
The next moment, when Emperor Deqing opened his eyes again, he found that the dazzling golden light before was gone. There was not even a candle in the side hall in front of him. It could be said to be dim and lightless, just like the golden light before. The glaring eyes are all hallucinations and have never appeared before.
But Emperor Deqing knew very well that the moment he opened the palace door, countless golden rays of light were indeed reflected in the side hall, and it was definitely not his imagination!
This situation made Emperor Deqing secretly frightened. He quickly turned to Zhao Junchen, Zhang De, and Li Muhe and asked: "Just now...when I pushed the door open to enter the palace, did you Have you noticed any strange phenomena and been dazzled by golden light?"
Zhao Junchen looked blank, shook his head and said: "Uncle, the side hall here is dark and dark, there are not even candles. Where is there any golden light that dazzles the eyes?"
Li Muhe also shook his head and said: "Pindao didn't find any abnormality. Maybe you, pilgrim, saw it wrong!"
In fact, there is a secret mechanism inside the side hall, which uses the periscope principle of later generations to introduce sunlight from outside the side hall into the side hall. And because bronze mirrors are used to reflect the light, all the light introduced into the hall is It is golden color.
According to the pre-arrangement, when Emperor Deqing walked into the side hall, someone would secretly twist the mechanism to let Emperor Deqing see the golden vision in the side hall, and then quickly close the mechanism, Emperor Deqing was unable to investigate in detail and became suspicious.
In this way, not only Emperor Deqing, but also Zhao Junchen, Zhang De, and Li Muhe actually saw the golden light vision in the side hall. However, Zhao Junchen directly denied that he had seen the vision at this time, and Li Muhe He also cooperated secretly, saying that he also did not see the vision, creating an atmosphere that only Emperor Deqing saw the golden light vision.
At this time, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but be shocked again after seeing Zhao Junchen and Li Muhe denying it, and secretly thought: "What's going on? The golden light just now was so dazzling, why didn't they see it?" ? Could it be that... I am the only one who saw such a vision? Could it be that... this is an immortal showing me a miracle? "
With shock and uncertainty in his heart, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhang De again and asked, "Where are you, Zhang De? Did you notice anything strange just now?"
Zhang De also had a look of surprise and uncertainty, shaking his head repeatedly: "No, I didn't see it!"
In fact, Zhang De had just seen the golden light emitting from the side hall.
However, as an important official of the imperial court, Zhao Junchen said that he did not see any strange phenomena. As the second abbot of "Tongji Temple", Li Muhe also said that he did not see any strange things. Zhang De was only an eunuch at this time. Don't dare to see any visions - otherwise, wouldn't it mean that you and Emperor Deqing are treated side by side? ——As the eunuch of Emperor Deqing, Zhang De has always been cautious. At this time, he has not yet figured out the situation, so he naturally goes with the flow and says what he thinks is safe.
Zhao Junchen did not expect Zhang De's answer to be so cooperative. He had already prepared a set of rhetoric, but now it was completely useless because of Zhang De's active cooperation.
On the other side, Emperor Deqing was both surprised and secretly excited after hearing Zhang De's answer. He murmured softly: "But I did see countless dazzling golden lights just now. It can't be an illusion. It seems to be coming from The statues of gods in the temple are beaming with light... Could it be that I was the only one to see such a vision?"
For a moment, Emperor Deqing actually forgot to conceal his identity and called himself "I". Fortunately, his voice was very low, otherwise Li Muhe would not be able to pretend anymore.
At this moment, a clear and ethereal voice suddenly came from behind the few people.
"If this old incense master can see visions, he must be a destined person."
Hearing this voice, Zhao Junchen turned around and saw that Zhang Daoquan had finally appeared.
...
...
82 Chinese website
