Seeing Zhang Shi's serious look, Zhu Yi couldn't help but feel a smile in her heart.
He was indeed right. In the final analysis, the British government was essentially just trying to maximize profits.
Their so-called 'loyalty' to the Supreme Emperor was, in the final analysis, just because they had no choice.
This point has never changed from the first Zhang Fu to the current Zhang Shi.
From running around and uniting with ministers to welcome back the Supreme Emperor, to now agreeing to Zhu Yi to jointly overthrow Ren Li.
It can be seen from each piece that in the hearts of people like Zhang Shi, the interests of their own family inheritance are far more important than the interests of the Supreme Emperor.
It was precisely because Empress Dowager Sun saw this that she finally chose Ren Li.
However, the interesting thing is...
Recalling the scene in Qinghe Pavilion, Zhu Yi could see that the Supreme Emperor did not think so.
Compared with Ren Li, who had been deprived of his position by his own hands and demoted back to his hometown to think about his future, the Supreme Emperor relied more heavily on the British government who had been there for him through life and death.
However, this is considered normal.
Our Supreme Emperor has always been more emotional than rational. He makes decisions based on emotion more often than on analysis.
The British government originally relied on lonely and important ministers, and then Zhang Fu and Zhang Fu sacrificed their lives one after another. It is truly shown here that I am definitely grateful.
Even if the Queen Mother in the palace reminded him at this time, I'm afraid his old man might not take it to heart.
In this case...
"Don't worry, Shibo. My nephew just wants to inherit his own title. As Shibo said, no matter how I flatter the emperor, it will only be a warm face but a cold butt."
"The one you and I can really rely on is naturally Nangong. How can my nephew act recklessly?"
What is the most brilliant method in the world? Of course, it is to deceive people and make them happy.
On this point, Zhang Fu knows his way very well.
When he was still there, the British government was deeply rooted and powerful, and the forces outside the palace were like an arm. The Virgin Mary in the palace also regarded him as a humerus and never had any suspicion.
However, Zhang Shi obviously fell far behind. With one move, he exchanged Huichang Bo for Ningyang Marquis, which completely opened a rift both inside and outside the palace. It cannot be repaired even now.
As a result, Jiao Jing and Ren Li came from behind and were overpowered by others in the palace.
Now, since there is a turning point, even if Zhang Xi cannot catch it, Zhu Yi will not let it go.
Zhu Yi leaned forward and said.
"Don't worry, Shibo. If this matter is handled properly, it will only end up being a fight to the death between Ningyuan Marquis Mansion and Changping Marquis Mansion. You and I... are just cleaning up the mess for them."
Scattered snow fell outside the window, although it was small, it didn't stop.
The sky was getting dusk, the clouds were gathering, lamps were lit in all the mansions, and a simple soft sedan landed in front of the British palace.
The visitor did not get off the sedan, but only handed him the doorpost. The porter of the British government saw the doorpost, did not dare to neglect, opened the door immediately, and ushered him in with the sedan.
Entering the courtyard, Zhang Xi came quickly, followed by Zhu Yi who followed suit.
"I've seen Prince Consort Jiao. There are so many people outside, so I can't go out to greet you. I'm being negligent."
The person who came was naturally Jiao Jing.
We met briefly in the afternoon. Several people had their own thoughts and agreed to meet at this time. Jiao Jing came as promised.
"Second Master, you're welcome. Today is the Chinese New Year, and I'm the one who's bothering you."
Standing in the courtyard of the British Duke's Palace, Jiao Jing's face was equally enthusiastic as he bowed his hands in greeting, but he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Since the death of Zhang Fu, the strength of the British government has declined. Although it was married to the Chengguo government, in the end, it has lost its greatest say.
But who would have thought that in today's interview, the situation would quietly change again.
It has to be said that things are unpredictable.
After chatting for a while, several people entered the banquet that had been prepared long ago. There was a while of drinking and drinking, and the host and guest were in harmony. However, at the banquet, no one mentioned anything serious.
After the banquet, Zhang Mi took the two of them to the study, and they each sat down. Jiao Jingfang spoke.
"Second Master, Young Master, let me tell you the truth. I am here today because of two things. I would like to ask your opinions."
"Prince-in-law, please speak."
"The first one is about Ningyuan Hou Renli..."
Jiao Jing seemed a little anxious at the moment, his brows furrowed.
At the same time, Zhang Shi and Zhu Yi were subconsciously startled after hearing this. They exchanged glances with each other, and then Zhang Shifang asked.
"Why, does the Prince Consort think there is anything wrong with Marquis Ren?"
Although this small movement was not eye-catching, Jiao Jing naturally noticed it. However, he did not say anything more. He just pondered for a moment and spoke.
"It's hard to call it inappropriate, but I do feel that something is wrong."
"Don't you think that during this period, Renhou has been a little too impatient and eager for quick success?"
After the words fell, Zhu Yi was the first to react, thought about it, and asked.
"Your Majesty, you mean that after today's audience with Nangong, Marquis Ren wants to invite me to come over to discuss countermeasures?"
Jiao Jing's expression changed slightly, but he still shook his head and said.
"More than that, ever since the Supreme Emperor returned to the court, Marquis Ren has been very concerned about the military settlements. He has tried his best to encourage various noble families to join forces in order to prevent the imperial court from reorganizing the military settlements. Although there are reasons for doing so, it is indeed beneficial to each family.
There are benefits.”
"However, I always feel that I am too hasty. The specific regulations of the Ministry of War have not been fully released yet. It has not yet been determined whether the emperor's rectification will be strong or small, but the attitude of Ren Hou is so fierce. This... always makes me feel
I feel a little uneasy."
Seeing Jiao Jing's slightly anxious look, Zhang Shi couldn't figure out the reason why he said this for a while. After thinking about it, he asked tentatively.
"So, the Prince Consort thinks there is something hidden in this?"
Jiao Jing pondered, as if he didn't know what to say for a moment. He raised his head and glanced at Zhang Shi and Zhu Yi. After hesitating for a moment, he said.
"Second Master, Young Master, there are no outsiders here, so I will just speak frankly."
"The British Duke, the Chengguo Duke, as well as me, including most of the noble families in Beijing, all came from Jingnan. Although there were many retinues of Emperor Taizong who went to the north, in the end, not many went to the border to guard the border in person.
.”
"Although we have a lot of involvement in the military camp issue, most of the people below are in charge of it. There should only be a few companies that are really directly involved."
"But Renhou..."
Ren Li started his career as a garrison soldier in Yanshan. He accompanied Emperor Taizong Jingnan and moved to the governorship of Qianshi. Later, he served in the Northern Expedition. He was once in charge of the governor of the Liaodong capital. During the Xuande period, he served in the expedition to Wuliangha and entered the capital to command Tongzhi.
In the first year of Zhengtong, Peiping Qiang General Seal went out to Gansu Province. In the second year, he was promoted to general officer, went to Adai Khan and won a great victory, and was awarded the title of Ning Yuanbo. After returning to the army, he was ordered to guard Gansu for more than ten years...
To put it bluntly, this Ningyuan Marquis is truly a man who has been stationed at the border for many years and has never moved away.
If there is anyone among the nobles who has actually personally participated in the occupation of military camps, then Ren Li must be one of them!
There was silence in the study for a moment.
In the end, it was Zhu Yi who spoke first and said coldly.
"So, the Prince Consort thinks that Marquis Ren is so eager to obstruct the rectification of military settlements because he is using me as a pawn to wipe his ass for what he has done in Gansu?"