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Before summoning the Liaodong generals, Zhao Junchen deliberately took time to reflect on himself again.
Zhao Junchen believes that he has always tied his own hands when doing things recently, probably not only because of his selfishness and fear of being picked off by Li Zehe, but also because after the situation in Liaodong gradually exceeded expectations, Zhao Junchen felt uneasy and timid. In order to bear the cost of the failure of the plan, consciously or unconsciously, a self-protective approach was adopted.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen deliberately pretended to be aloof and indifferent, trying his best to avoid directly interfering in anything, but just hiding behind the scenes and secretly guiding the situation.
In this way, there is room for maneuver. After all, Zhao Junchen has not shown any attitude or inclination from beginning to end, nor has he taken any practical actions on the surface. Even everyone in Liaodong Town suspects that Zhao Junchen is responsible for everything. It is difficult to find direct evidence of the person behind the plan. Even if the plan fails in the end, Zhao Junchen does not have to worry about direct retaliation from Liaodong Town and can escape unscathed.
On the surface, this is a very smart and rational approach, leaving enough room for advancement and retreat, which can be said to be a smooth attack and defense.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Yuan Shao, a prince who was once expected to unify the world, often adopted this approach, so he was rated as "doing great things but cherishing his own life" and became a negative teaching material.
And Zhao Junchen is currently in the same situation - he cherishes his life when doing big things, and runs away when he sees small gains. He obviously can't bear the immediate benefits and can't help but take action, but after taking action, he will be hesitant and worry about gains and losses when encountering risks.
In fact, this approach is not necessarily wrong, but it is obviously not suitable for the current situation in Liaodong, let alone Zhao Junchen's ambitious goals.
In Liaodong, Zhao Junchen was limited by his lack of strength and did not have the capital to hesitate, let alone protect himself wisely while reaping the benefits.
At least not yet.
If he wanted to protect himself wisely, Zhao Junchen should not have taken any action from the beginning, nor should he have aroused suspicion and hostility in Liaodong Town; if he really wanted to do something, he had to fight for it personally and fight through all means. , All the efforts must be accomplished in one battle!
In short, "If you don't do it, don't do it; if you do it, do it!"
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"In the final analysis, what kind of person you are is what you should do. And I have always been wary, sensitive and suspicious when things happen. Of course, this kind of personality cannot be regarded as an advantage, but it cannot be regarded as a shortcoming. It can only be It is a characteristic that has both advantages and disadvantages...
The advantage is that when doing things, you always make decisions and think carefully, and have plans for any variables. The disadvantage is that you can easily become suspicious, often scare yourself, and fight with the air...
In this case, you should use your strengths and avoid weaknesses, decide your own way of doing things according to your own personality characteristics, and try to avoid doing anything you are unsure of or unprepared for!
But this time, my preparation in advance was far from sufficient. The opponent was a behemoth like Liaodong Town. There were too few plans and too many variables. It was simply exploiting weaknesses and avoiding strengths. It not only amplified my own suspicion and worry about gains and losses after encountering trouble. The shortcomings are that it completely avoids the advantage of making a decision and then acting... As a result, it is natural that you are tied up and almost miss the opportunity! "
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen felt a little regretful, but his expression became calmer.
Zhao Junchen must be grateful to Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing. Because of Emperor Deqing's repeated suppression and Zhou Shangjing's repeated calculations, Zhao Junchen never dared to be pretentious and could easily accept and correct his mistakes. You won’t be easily frustrated due to a momentary mistake.
"Objectively speaking, since I arrived in Liaodong, I have always been lucky. I have been unintentionally inserted several times, and the effect of my alienation strategy has far exceeded expectations!
Therefore, even if I was not well prepared in advance, the pace of my plan was deviated, and the situation changed far beyond expectations, there is still a lot of room for maneuver, and there is still a lot to be done...
In this case, there can no longer be any hesitation. Whether it is to reverse the situation that Liaodong Zhenwei cannot lose, or to take the opportunity to intervene in Liaodong's military power, if you really want to make a difference, you must make a decisive decision and cut through the mess quickly. Otherwise, if you just care about it like this Just stay safe and wait until the Liaodong cavalry reinforcements from the Jinzhou camp arrive, and many things will completely ruin the opportunity! "
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen finally suppressed his hesitation and strengthened his train of thought.
At this time, Jiang Quan quickly entered the tent and reported: "To inform the cabinet ministers, five generals from Liaodong Town have been invited to come to see you."
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When the five generals from Liaodong Town filed into Zhao Junchen's tent, the leader, Ximen Sheng, clasped his fists and saluted, then asked straight to the point: "I have been ordered to come to see you. Please tell Zhao Junchen that you are summoning me this time." What are you waiting for?"
Ximen Sheng's questioning tone was quite rude and impatient, but it was also excusable.
After all, Ximen Sheng has too many things to be busy with right now - he must try to negotiate with the kidnappers in the dense forest and protect He Yu's life; he must investigate the true origins of these kidnappers as soon as possible and formulate a follow-up rescue plan; It is necessary to monitor and control the various forces in Hujiazhuang to prevent them from taking the opportunity to cause trouble; it is also necessary to be distracted from the daily defense in Liaodong to ensure the stability of the entire Liaodong region; and finally, it is necessary to continue to scheming with Li Zehe and others to prevent these people's ambitions …
With so many things and complicated tasks, Ximen Sheng was exhausted mentally and naturally he was unwilling to be further distracted in dealing with Zhao Junchen.
To be honest, Ximen Sheng was really relieved after seeing Zhao Junchen adopt a prudent and indifferent attitude yesterday.
Therefore, on the one hand, Ximen Sheng was wary of Zhao Junchen summoning him and others without warning, and on the other hand, he was impatient to waste time, so he did not hide his rejection and took the opportunity to express his attitude to Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen glanced at Ximen Sheng, but did not pay attention to him. Instead, he asked Li Zehe: "General Li, how is your physical condition? Has it improved after you rest?"
Seeing that Zhao Junchen was concerned about his physical condition for the first time, a hint of surprise flashed in Li Zehe's eyes, and then he put on a flattered look and quickly replied: "Thank you for your concern, minister. Your current physical condition has improved a bit." , although I am still physically weak and feel nauseous from time to time, I am finally no longer in fear of my life!
This is also thanks to your timely help and wonderful treatment last night, cabinet minister. I am extremely grateful to you for your life-saving grace, and I will do my best to repay you in the future! "
As Li Zehe finished speaking, Ximen Sheng frowned and felt that Zhao Junchen's attitude towards Li Zehe seemed to have changed, and Li Zehe also took the opportunity to hint.
Therefore, Ximen Sheng wanted to speak again and try to interrupt the series of events happening in front of him.
However, before Ximen Sheng could speak, Zhao Junchen asked again: "Common generals, did you feel uncomfortable with staying in the Forbidden Army camp last night? General generals must have had heavy tasks these days. We should also try our best to entertain you. If you have any needs, just ask them directly and we will do our best to meet them!"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's statement, several generals naturally expressed their gratitude one after another. They all claimed that they felt comfortable and secure living here with Zhao Junchen without any additional needs.
Zhao Junchen rolled his eyes and asked again: "Although some matters are left to your Liaodong Town to take full responsibility, and I should not interfere easily, but after all, I still have to ask a few questions, and I can't be completely unconcerned... When I summon you this time, I first want to ask if the group of kidnappers in the dense forest have made any changes in the past two days? Have they made any more demands? There is no need to further create difficulties for Mr. He because of my own escape. Soldier?"
Ximen Sheng frowned more and more. He believed that Zhao Junchen's inquiries seemed innocuous, but in fact they were a precursor to his intention to interfere in the internal affairs of Liaodong Town.
However, Li Zehe was the first to answer: "Your Majesty, because of your clever escape, the group of kidnappers in the dense forest were naturally very angry and almost went crazy. Although they did not express their anger at Commander He, they were not as angry with us in Liaodong. When the town was negotiating, their attitude became more and more arrogant and the amount of ransom was increased again. However, the ransom they asked for was all pearls and treasures. It is not easy for us in Liaodong Town to raise all the money. So at present The situation is still at a stalemate!”
Zhao Junchen asked again: "Then... have you found any clues about the identity of these kidnappers?"
This time, Ximen Sheng finally spoke first and said: "Thank you very much, Zhao Gechen, for your concern, but I and others are incompetent and still haven't been able to find any reliable clues."
In fact, as the most powerful and deep-rooted local snake in Liaodong, as long as Liaodong Town investigates seriously, nothing in Liaodong can be concealed for too long.
Therefore, Liaodong Town has initially discovered some clues, and believes that several single farmers in Hujiazhuang are quite suspicious. They left Hujiazhuang in a hurry on the day He Yu was kidnapped, and their whereabouts are still unknown. Ximen Sheng is currently secretly digging into Investigation, but he was obviously unwilling to reveal the truth to Zhao Junchen.
Zhao Junchen did not go into details, but asked again: "I have provided you with clues that the group of kidnappers may be related to the Jianzhou Jurchens. Have you continued the investigation along this clue?"
"this……"
Ximen Sheng was speechless.
After Li Zehe sneered, he complained: "I hope you will know that although you have provided us with clues, it stands to reason that we should continue to investigate along the clues you provided, but...
General Ximen Shen insists that this kidnapping has nothing to do with Jianzhou Jurchen, and believes that if we follow this clue to investigate, it will only waste time and energy. Therefore, under the obstruction of General Ximen, we also It is impossible to investigate further, and naturally there will be no results! "
Zhao Junchen finally turned his attention to Ximen Sheng and asked: "General Ximen, is this really true?"
Ximen Sheng gritted his teeth and lowered his head and replied: "I hope Minister Zhao will forgive me. I really believe that although the Jianzhou Jurchens have penetrated the Liaodong area pervasively, they still have no ability to kidnap you and the General Soldier under the nose of Liaodong Town." ! The person who can do this kind of thing will only be one of the forces currently staying in Hujiazhuang!"
Zhao Junchen also frowned and asked: "So, General Ximen Ginseng, you don't trust the clues provided by this pavilion?"
This time, Ximen Sheng remained silent, vaguely expressing a default attitude.
Seeing Ximen Sheng's statement, Zhao Junchen was not angry, but smiled half-heartedly and said: "Well, General Ximen doesn't trust me. Of course I am very unhappy, but I am not happy alone." It’s nothing, I’m just a little worried about General Ximen’s reputation being damaged…”
Ximen Sheng was stunned for a moment, then raised his head and asked, "The reputation of humble position? I have always had a clear conscience. I am upright and not afraid of shadows, so why should I worry about the reputation being damaged?"
Zhao Junchen said slowly: "I also know that General Ximen Sheng has done nothing wrong with you, but others may not trust Ximen Sheng as much as I do, and all kinds of rumors in this world are made out of nothing and out of control!
Ming people don't tell secrets. You and the Jianzhou Jurchens have always been close friends and enemies. On the one hand, they have been fighting against the Jianzhou Jurchens for many years to resist the invasion of Jianzhou Jurchens. On the other hand, they secretly preside over Liaoyang. Trade, making money day by day through the smuggling business with Jianzhou Jurchens...
Under such circumstances, if you insist that the kidnapping of this pavilion and Mr. He has nothing to do with the Jianzhou Jurchens, the world will probably think that you are selfish, so you try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens! "
At this point, Zhao Junchen increased his tone and said word by word: "Even... after seeing Ximen Shen's efforts to clear the relationship with the Jianzhou Jurchens, some people may think that it is you, Ximen, who is so ambitious that you secretly You covet the position of Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong, so you secretly collude with the Jianzhou Jurchens and work with them to kidnap Commander-in-Chief He. Then you can successfully take charge of Liaodong!
Hey! Although the Jianzhou Jurchens are unable to kidnap Benge and Mr. He under the nose of Liaodong Town, if General Ximen Shen cooperates secretly, there will be a chance for this matter to be realized! "
Ximen Sheng's expression changed drastically again, and he asked angrily: "Zhao Gechen, how dare you slander me like this? Do you really think that I am a soft persimmon who can be manipulated by others?"
Zhao Junchen was also full of anger and asked: "When did I slander you? I just raised a possibility, worried that the world would be so suspicious of General Ximen Ginseng. It was completely out of goodwill. Ximen Ginseng Why would the general think that I have slandered you? You simply mistook your good intentions for your own good and don’t know what’s good or bad!”
In fact, most of the rumors in this world are secretly spread and promoted by conspirators.
Before this moment, no one suspected that Ximen Sheng was related to He Yu's kidnapping, let alone that Ximen Sheng secretly coveted the position of commander-in-chief, so he secretly colluded with the Jianzhou Jurchens and kidnapped He Yu. Yu.
But after Zhao Junchen's "kindly" reminder, the relevant rumors are destined to spread quickly!
At least, Li Zehe and Gan Cheng's eyes lit up at this moment, and they were secretly excited. They felt that they had found another good way to deal with Ximen Sheng!
Just like what Huang Ke reminded, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others had been secretly worried that after the Liaodong Cavalry reinforcements from Jinzhou Camp arrived here, Ximen Sheng would have an overwhelming strength advantage. Not only will it be impossible to realize his ambitions, but his life and fortune may also be at risk.
Therefore, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others have been trying to accumulate their own strength and intend to compete with Ximen Sheng.
But now, after hearing Zhao Junchen's "well-intentioned" reminder, Li Zehe, Gan Cheng and others quickly thought of another possibility!
Yes, they can still use rumors and slander to pour dirty water on Ximen Sheng and portray Ximen Sheng as the man behind the kidnapping of He Yu!
Zhao Junchen also thoughtfully provided them with a quite complete, convincing and certainly eye-catching rumor logic!
——Ximen Sheng was unwilling to continue the investigation along the clues provided by Zhao Junchen because Ximen Sheng wanted to try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens’ crimes, and Ximen Sheng wanted to try to protect the Jianzhou Jurchens’ crimes because He Yu was The kidnapping incident was originally due to the secret cooperation between Ximen Sheng and the Jianzhou Jurchens. The reason why Ximen Sheng wanted to secretly cooperate with the Jianzhou Jurchens to kidnap He Yu was because Ximen Sheng was ambitious and secretly coveted He Yu's general army. Bit……
As for the complex interest relationship between Ximen Sheng and the Jianzhou Jurchens, who are both enemies and friends, it provides circumstantial evidence for the logic of this rumor!
Only Ximen Sheng and Jianzhou Jurchen secretly joined forces to kidnap He Yu and Zhao Junchen under the nose of Liaodong Town!
Although the logic of such a rumor cannot convince the wise, it is enough to deceive the vast majority of ignorant people.
In this world, after all, there are only a very small number of wise people, and most are ignorant people.
At the same time, as a very small number of wise men, they will inevitably be coerced by the majority of ignorant people!
Once such rumors intensify and have a considerable impact, even if the Liaodong cavalry reinforcements loyal to He Yu from the Jinzhou camp arrive here, they will definitely have doubts after hearing the relevant rumors and dare not fully cooperate with Ximen Sheng does things, and even secretly takes precautions...
In this way, Ximen Sheng will not have an overwhelming strength advantage, and he will still be unable to do anything to Li Zehe and others!
A simple rumor directly eliminated most of Ximen Sheng's potential advantages, which was enough to be worth countless painstaking calculations by Li Zehe and others!
Wonderful!
Thinking of this, Li Zehe exclaimed in his heart that although his scheming methods were considered to be top-notch in Liaodong Town, in terms of despicableness and subtlety, they were still far different from those of powerful officials in the temple like Zhao Junchen. , The difference is too far, it is simply incomparable!
After all, big figures like Zhao Junchen, who are high up in the temple, are better at such things as infighting, benefiting oneself at the expense of others, and fighting against others!
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