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In recent years, when Zhao Junchen holds banquets and invites guests outside his mansion, he usually chooses Tianhai Pavilion.
Therefore, there are rumors among the official circles that Zhao Junchen particularly likes to eat Tianhai Pavilion dishes.
Because of such rumors, people like Zuo Lanshan, Huo Zhengyuan and others specially sent their chefs to Tianhai Pavilion to learn cooking skills, just so that if Zhao Junchen went to their house to dine one day in the future, he would be able to enjoy the food. dishes.
But in fact, Zhao Junchen couldn't say whether he liked or disliked the taste of Tianhai Pavilion's dishes. He always chose to hold banquets and invite guests in Tianhai Pavilion, just because Tianhai Pavilion was closer to Zhao's house, and the second floor of Tianhai Pavilion was The sound insulation effect of the room is better.
With Zhou Shangjing's intelligence ability, he had naturally heard of Zhao Junchen's preference for Tianhai Pavilion, and the fact that he specially chose to entertain Zhao Junchen in Tianhai Pavilion this time undoubtedly hinted at the concession of interests.
Zhao Junchen was not surprised by Zhou Shangjing's attitude. After all, the Water Transport Yamen was the pocketbook, lifeblood, and link of interests of the "Zhou Party". Its importance was second only to the Civil Service Yamen, so he naturally did not dare to neglect it.
However, in order to show his respect, Zhao Junchen still arrived at Tianhai Tower a quarter of an hour early to wait for Zhou Shangjing's appearance.
Who would have thought that when Zhao Junchen came to Tianhai Pavilion, he was told by the shopkeeper of Tianhai Pavilion that Zhou Shangjing had arrived earlier than himself and was waiting for him in the private room on the second floor.
Zhao Junchen finally felt a little surprised when he heard this news.
When Zhao Junchen came to the private room on the second floor, he also discovered that Zhou Shangjing was not the only one in the room, but also the core members of the "Zhou Party" such as Li He, the elder of the court, Song Qiwen, the official secretary, Du Bai, the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and so on. The characters are all by Zhou Shangjing's side at this time.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but feel secretly happy, and secretly thought: "It seems that the 'Zhou Party' is more sincere than imagined... Maybe, taking advantage of this opportunity, I can gain something." Unexpected benefits.”
But on the surface, Zhao Junchen looked frightened. He quickly walked up to Zhou Shangjing, bowed and saluted: "I'm so late, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for bothering you, seniors. I hope you can forgive me." One or two.”
Seeing Zhao Junchen's appearance and apology, Li He, Song Qiwen, Du Bai and others all stood up and returned the courtesy. Zhou Shangjing raised his hands to help him, and smiled gently: "It's not that Junchen is late, but I'm waiting for you." People came early...
Regarding tonight's meeting, I and others are a little worried about His Majesty's reaction. If His Majesty discovers the private contact between Junchen and I and others, it is inevitable that he will have random thoughts and make a fuss out of a molehill. trouble……
Therefore, when I and others came here, their primary consideration was to conceal their whereabouts as much as possible and not attract attention. Therefore, they could not control the specific arrival time, and they did not want to deliberately wait for Junchen. "
Hearing this statement, Zhao Junchen suddenly felt astonished, and then sat down to talk at Zhou Shangjing's signal.
At first, everyone was just chatting about romantic affairs, but when the dishes and drinks gradually filled the table, with a look from Zhou Shangjing, Zhou Mansion's steward Zhou Quan, who was standing behind him, quickly locked all the doors and windows of the room. .
Thus, the banquet finally got down to business.
Zhou Shangjing first observed Zhao Junchen carefully, and then said slowly: "Junchen has always been well-informed. He must have seen the undercurrent in the temple in the past two days, right?"
Zhao Junchen did not hide anything and nodded directly: "Of course I heard about it. It seems that the Qingliu people are planning to impeach the Caoyun Yamen for corruption and waste, and they also plan to take the opportunity to restart the dispute between Hecao and Haicao...
Although they had always wanted to keep it as secret as possible during the operation, those Qingliu officials had always been disorganized and had too many smart-alecks, so the relevant information was still leaked. "
Zhou Shangjing nodded with a smile and asked, "What do Junchen think of this matter?"
Zhao Junchen still told the truth and replied quickly: "In the opinion of the younger generation, the interests of the Cao Yun Yamen are intertwined, and the dispute between He Cao and Hai Cao has been going on for hundreds of years with no result, whether it is the impeachment of the Cao Yun Yamen or the raising of Hai Cao The chance of the matter was slim in the first place, and considering the Qingliu people’s ability to do things, and such hasty action, it can’t change any status quo at all!”
Zhou Shangjing sighed and said slowly: "I originally thought so too, but the Qingliu people also came prepared this time, and actually found the detailed figures for this year's water transportation grain consumption...
Junchen, you also know that due to the blockage of the canal, this year's water transportation grain consumption is indeed a bit alarming. Once the Qingliu people disclose these numbers, they will be justified, and they must be unreasonable! By that time, even if they cannot successfully achieve their goal, they will definitely cause a lot of trouble, and they may even force the court to investigate the Caoyun Yamen..."
Having said this, Zhou Shangjing shook his head again and sighed, and the implication was obvious - if you want to deliberately find fault, no yamen in the world can withstand strict investigation.
Zhou Shangjing's words seemed to be actively showing weakness.
But the next moment, Ge Lao Li He put on a puzzled look and asked: "But I also find it strange that there are only forces that have the ability to find out the specific amount of water transportation grain consumption. There are only water transportation companies in the whole dynasty." It’s just the Yamen and the Hubu Yamen, but where did those Qingliu find these grain consumption amounts?”
Then, Du Bai immediately explained: "According to the reports of the informants placed by the lower officials around several Qingliu, the source of the Qingliu's intelligence seems to be related to Song Huancheng, the doctor of the Department of Hubu. It was this person who stole the water transportation from the Hubu Yamen. The specific amount of food consumption!”
As Du Bai finished speaking, the eyes of the core figures of the "Zhou Party" were all focused on Zhao Junchen's face.
Under the attention of everyone, Zhao Junchen clearly noticed the accusations and questions contained in these eyes.
After all, the cooperation between the Hubu Yamen and the Water Transport Yamen is a tacit understanding between the "Zhou Party" and the "Zhao Party". The Hubu Yamen should not interfere with or destroy the Water Transport Yamen's affairs, and the Water Transport Yamen must do this every year. Distributing part of the profit to the Household Department Yamen can be described as a win-win and mutual benefit.
This tacit understanding should not be broken. Even when the "Zhou Party" and the "Zhao Party" are criticizing and hostile to each other, they should try their best to abide by it. Otherwise, it will be a serious overstepping of the line, and it is not an exaggeration to say it is a declaration of war.
It's like two people quarreling. At most, they spit at each other, but if they use a knife, that's another matter.
Zhao Junchen's expression changed, as if it was the first time he heard such news, and he said seriously: "What? It was Song Huancheng who leaked the food consumption figures?"
Du Bai nodded and said, "There shouldn't be any lies!"
Zhao Junchen still seemed to be in disbelief, and confirmed: "Seriously? But the source of the news is wrong?"
Du Bai said expressionlessly: "If Zhao Gechen doesn't believe it, he can personally send someone to confirm the news...According to the official's opinion, Zhao Gechen will have many informants around Chaozhong Qingliu."
Under the aggressive gazes of several "Zhou Party" figures, Zhao Junchen immediately put all the blame on Li Chengru, the current Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and said angrily: "Seniors, please rest assured, the juniors will definitely investigate this matter." , if there really is a mistake in the Hubu Yamen, the juniors must be duty-bound to resolve the matter personally, and will never let this matter endanger the interests of the seniors!
well! I have long heard about Song Huancheng's character and style, which is as smelly and hard as a stone in a latrine, and I have long thought that it would be absolutely no good for him to work as an errand in the Hubu Yamen. But because His Majesty opened the door, the junior I had no choice but to grit my teeth and take him into the household department!
But after the junior accepted Song Huancheng, he once told Li Chengru, the Minister of Household Affairs, to secretly guard against this person's bad deeds. Who would have thought that something went wrong. Li Chengru's ability and means were really limited, so the junior should not do anything to him. He has entrusted you with a heavy responsibility!
After all, this person comes from a clean background. Not only does he have high vision but low hand, he also always talks about the benefits of His Highness. He may not be of the same mind as the younger generation. Sooner or later, the younger generation will have to find a way to replace someone to take charge of the household department, otherwise this kind of mistakes may happen again. ! "
Hearing Zhao Junchen's assurance, all the "Zhou Party" officials nodded with satisfaction, thinking that Zhao Junchen had admitted that he was in the wrong and had compromised, but only Zhou Shangjing's gray eyebrows couldn't help but frown.
Because Zhao Junchen's last sentence actually hinted that similar things would happen again in the future!
Then, Zhao Junchen suddenly changed the topic and said: "However, seniors, don't blame the juniors for speaking frankly. Regarding the current situation, even if there is a mistake at the Ministry of Revenue Yamen, and the details of the water transportation grain consumption are accidentally leaked, The number, but the fundamental reason is still due to the unscrupulousness of the water transport yamen. In recent years, not only have the actions become bigger and bigger, but they are also becoming more and more unscrupulous!
Therefore, even if there is no mistake at the Hubu Yamen, as long as the Qingliu people want to pursue this matter, they can still investigate clearly by spending more time and energy to investigate the situation along the Jiangnan and Jinghan Canals. Regarding the specific grain consumption figures of the Caoyun Yamen this year, this kind of thing cannot be stopped no matter what. "
Having said this, Zhao Junchen took the initiative to stand up, holding the wine glass and said: "Of course, the juniors also know that the interest disputes in the Caoyun Yamen are extremely complicated. There are too many people involved in it, and many things are not decided by the seniors, and The junior’s statement is not to shirk his own responsibility!
In fact, the younger generation has always believed that there are many areas for cooperation between our two families in the future. Although there are occasional conflicts, there is no doubt that we have more common interests, so we should seek common ground while reserving differences, and be harmonious without differences!
Take this incident as an example. No matter whether there is a mistake on the part of the Hubu Yamen, once the Caoyun Yamen encounters trouble, it will be difficult for the Hubu Yamen to be alone. After all, the Hubu Yamen will also collect money from the Caoyun Yamen every year. Share some benefits...
Therefore, when things have developed to this point, it no longer matters which party is responsible! Regardless of whether there are any mistakes in the Hubu Yamen, the juniors will definitely work together with the seniors to stop Qingliu's impeachment of the Caoyun Yamen, and will also try their best to stop Qingliu's Haicao proposal. As long as our two families join forces, even if No matter how much noise the Qingliu people make, these two things will never succeed! "
Hearing this, in addition to Zhou Shangjing's foresight, several other core figures of the "Zhou Party" also understood the implication of Zhao Junchen's words.
Zhao Junchen's attitude seemed to be humble and sincere, and he took the initiative to give in, but in fact it was extremely tough and aggressive!
To sum up, Zhao Junchen's meaning has three levels.
First, because the current Minister of Household Affairs is Li Chengru, whose abilities and methods are insufficient, there may be mistakes in the Department of Household Affairs again in the future, and these mistakes may also harm the interests of the "Zhou Party" again.
As for whether Zhao Junchen wants to completely plug these loopholes, it depends on the sincerity of "Zhou Party".
Secondly, Zhao Junchen believes that the main responsibility for the current situation is not because of the mistakes in the Hubu Yamen, but because the Cao Yuan Yamen has left too obvious clues to others.
Therefore, even if Zhao Junchen helps the "Zhou Party" to block Qingliu's actions, it is not to make up for his own mistakes, but to value the friendship between the two parties and take the initiative to help each other. Therefore, the "Zhou Party" also owes Zhao Junchen a favor. .
Third, between the "Zhou Party" and the "Zhao Party", they should shelve their disputes and continue to cooperate. As long as the "Zhou Party" no longer pursues the dismissal of the former Shandong Governor Lu Yuanan, then Zhao Junchen will be given a Because of the favor, Zhao Junchen will naturally take action to plug the omissions in the Household Department Yamen to ensure that similar things will not happen again.
After thinking about these things, the faces of everyone in the "Zhou Party" changed slightly.
But at the same time, they really couldn't find a way to counterattack for a while.
At this time, Zhou Shangjing slowly spoke again.
"What Junchen said makes sense! During this period of time, we have been very unhappy because of Lu Yuanan's dismissal. We actually forgot that the two parties have more common interests after all!
This time, the Qingliu people's action against the Water Transport Yamen is actually a good opportunity for both sides to turn enemies into friends. If the conflict between you and me becomes more intense, it will eventually get out of hand and everyone will benefit!
Moreover, I actually understand the reason why Junchen must remove Lu Yuanan this time. Lu Yuanan has good abilities and intelligence, but his biggest shortcoming is that he sticks to the rules and is unwilling to accept new things, so he will be particularly resistant to what Junchen presides over. The agricultural reform of China was naturally carried out in both positive and negative ways...
But it is also a fact that the national food inventory is insufficient. This matter is related to the stability of the country and must be resolved with all efforts. Therefore, Junchen, you must also kill the chicken to scare the monkeys and take advantage of the opportunity to establish your authority. Lu Yuanan just happened to hit the tip of the spear. It was not Junchen who deliberately provoked the conflict. …
Therefore, Lu Yuanan's matter will be considered a thing of the past from today on, and there is no need to mention it again in the future. I and others will not take revenge because of this matter from now on! "
Hearing Zhou Shangjing's words, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but look happy, and the expressions of everyone in the "Zhou Party" changed again. They all thought that Zhou Shangjing's statement was an initiative to give in and bow his head.
But then, Zhou Shangjing took a serious look at Zhao Junchen, and continued with a gentle smile: "However, Lu Yuanan is a talent after all, and it would be a waste to keep him idle at home from now on.
Moreover, I have many disciples in the court, all of whom are counting on me to protect me. If I abandon Lu Yuanan like this, it will not only damage my own prestige, but also the people below will not be convinced...
Therefore, what I mean is that it is fine if Lu Yuanan loses his position as governor of Shandong, but he must find another job for him... Well, since the end of the Shaanxi-Gansu trilateral war, the previous governor of Shaanxi, Zhang Shengde, has been under the influence of The imperial court awarded him a reward and was transferred to the position of governor of Sichuan, but the position of governor of Shaanxi has always been vacant. Because His Majesty continues to purge the officialdom of Shaanxi and Gansu, no one is willing to take over this position...
So, according to my wishes, let Lu Yuanan be the next governor of Shaanxi, how about it? As long as our two families jointly propose this matter, we should be able to achieve our goal smoothly! "
Having said this, the smile on Mr. Zhou Shangjing's face became more gentle and kind, as if he and Zhao Junchen were heart to heart, and said: "Of course, I won't let Junchen, your hard work be in vain. I have received the news that Yang Xun will take over the Dali Temple." While at the Yamen, he discovered many unjust, false and wrong cases tried by the former minister of Dali Temple, Fang Shiwen, and is now planning to impeach His Majesty for Fang Shiwen's dereliction of duty, so it is no longer possible for Fang Shiwen to go to Shandong to take up his post...
In this way, the position of governor of Shandong is also vacant, and I will leave this position to Junchen... How about it? Fair enough, right? "
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's words, Zhao Junchen's expression changed slightly!
Zhou Shangjing's proposal seems fair. Shandong is much more prosperous than Shaanxi. Trading the governorship of Shaanxi for the governorship of Shandong is a profit no matter how you look at it.
At the same time, Zhao Junchen had been coveting the position of governor of Shandong for a long time, and Zhou Shangjing obviously saw this.
However, Zhou Shangjing's proposal is naturally not that simple!
In fact, for Zhao Junchen, it can be called a sinister intention!
During this period of time, Emperor Deqing repeatedly took action to purge the officialdom of Shaanxi and Gansu, in order to completely eliminate Zhao Junchen's influence.
However, due to Zhao Junchen's advance arrangements, Emperor Deqing's purge was not successful, and Zhao Junchen's core power was still intact.
Regarding this situation, Zhou Shangjing may also have a clear understanding of it!
That's why Zhou Shangjing proposed to let Lu Yuanan, a person who had problems with Zhao Junchen, be the governor of Shaanxi, probably to keep an eye on all the arrangements Zhao Junchen left in Shaanxi and Gansu!
As a result, the effects that Zhao Junchen left on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu will naturally be greatly reduced in the future!
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen was naturally extremely afraid!
However, just when Zhao Junchen was thinking about how to respond to Zhou Shangjing, Zhou Shangjing's next move was far from over!
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