Night, British Government House.
The candlelight flickered, and snow began to fall outside at some point. The fragrance of tea rose up in the study, but it could not conceal the owner's sad look.
On both sides of the table, Zhang Min and Zhu Yi were sitting opposite each other. The face of the second master of the Zhang family was obviously not good.
"My lord, what do you think of today's events?"
He gently placed the teacup in his hand on the table. After all, it was Zhang Mian who asked first. Although it was a question, there was a hint of questioning in his tone.
Such emotions were not concealed, so Zhu Yi could not fail to hear them.
Gently raising her head, Zhu Yi met Zhang Xi's gaze, but her face was calm, and she said.
"I know why the second master is dissatisfied. What happened today was something I didn't expect."
"Before I came to the British government, I had just returned from my uncle's house. He was also very frightened about this promotion."
"As for what the emperor's intention is, I think that with the eyesight of the second master, he can't fail to see it, right?"
Zhang Xi's eyes flashed, his brows furrowed tightly, and he looked at Zhu Yi without saying a word.
After a while, Zhang Xi's expression slowly relaxed, he sighed and said.
"It's just sowing discord, how could I be fooled?"
Even though he said this, Zhang Shi's attitude was still inevitably a little distant.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi couldn't help but reveal a wry smile.
Of course he knew why Zhang Shi was unhappy.
Today in the palace, most of the people impeached in the memorial presented by Zhang Shi were military ministers who had previously interacted privately with Ren Liduo.
The British government has invested a lot in this matter.
First, in order to get the list, Zhang Min had to agree and let the Ren family live. Then, he tried his best to persuade the Supreme Emperor to acquiesce in the matter, and then Chen Mao and others agreed to help him.
In addition, Zhang Shi even negotiated terms with several key mansions in advance, in exchange for them either remaining silent or speaking out to help in court.
After everything was prepared, Zhang Shi waited patiently for the opportunity. Only now, while the courtiers were discussing the border issue, did he finally seize the opportunity and submit the memorial.
Even after doing so much, submitting this memorial is still a big risk. After all, it has to touch the interests of some people. Some people can talk about it, but at least the military officials involved will try their best to resist, so,
After the news comes out, the British government will definitely face a lot of pressure and hostility.
Moreover, Zhang Xi's action this time, to put it nicely, was for the public good and to rectify the atmosphere of the military government. However, from the perspective of interests and positions, in fact, in the eyes of many nobles, it was to attack the military ministers and fight among themselves.
In exchange for the re-emergence of the British government.
This will inevitably have an impact on the reputation of the British government.
All of this is to regain the power of the military government, so that Zhang Shi can represent the British government and return to the military ministers, the top group of people who can directly participate in decision-making.
Ren Li's incident taught Mr. Zhang a great lesson, and he finally understood that fostering a puppet and indirectly participating in decision-making would be too delayed and could easily lead to trouble.
No matter how close your partners are, they will all have their own thoughts, and they cannot completely put the interests of the British government first. Only true family members are the most reliable and reassuring.
Therefore, even if Mr. Zhang bites the bullet, he still has to go into battle on his own.
However, who would have thought that even after making so many preparations, in the end, I would still make wedding clothes for others.
As they thought, after the crimes of these military officials were disclosed, as long as the emperor had not really made up his mind to completely confront the civil servants, it would be difficult for him to find a legitimate reason not to investigate the case.
Once there is an investigation, then Zhang Shi, who has the backing of two major princes, is the most suitable candidate. Taking this opportunity, the British government can not only clean up the door, but also scare those who think that the British government has sunk, so they want to
The unscrupulous people who defected to other schools.
Although it is said that some costs have to be paid, such as having to withstand the counterattack of these military ministers, paying some costs to appease the noble families whose interests have been harmed, and it is even possible for the emperor to take this opportunity to place a large number of personnel in the military government, etc.
wait……
But as long as the goal can be achieved, Mr. Zhang gritted his teeth and accepted it.
But the problem is that the British government has invested so much in the early stage, and the emperor has indeed agreed to investigate the case under the pressure of civil and military forces.
However, in the end, Zhang Shi was pushed aside, and it was Wang Qin who was promoted. How could this make Mr. Zhang feel uneasy?
You must know that Wang Qin is Zhu Yi's maternal uncle. The so-called maternal uncle is the eldest uncle. Among relatives, the nephew-uncle relationship is one of the closest relationships.
The emperor promoted Wang Qin at this time, and his intention was self-evident.
Don't you, Zhang Shi, think that only the British government can find out the evidence of these people? Then I will promote people from the Duke's government to see if your two governments can advance and retreat together.
Just like Zhang Xi said, this is sowing discord, but it is sowing discord without any disguise.
In fact, this has always been the emperor's cleverness, to win with yin and yang, even if he knows that it is sowing discord.
However, suspicion is still unavoidable.
Even if Zhang Shi could believe that this was not Zhu Yi's original intention, would Zhu Yi still give up the power he had?
Or, after struggling for so long, do we really want the British government to go through the old path of appointing rites again?
Feeling Zhang Shi's unconcealable alienation, Zhu Yi sighed and said.
"Yes, it's nothing more than a stratagem to alienate people. The emperor's move indeed created a problem for us!"
As he spoke, Zhu Yi's expression became serious.
"The second master originally raised this matter in court, but in the end, the emperor promoted his uncle to take charge of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion to help investigate the matter."
"If I want to help my uncle secure this position, then I must help Fan Guang and others investigate the matter thoroughly. However, in this case, the hard work of the second master during this period will be in vain, and moreover,
Offended a lot of people."
"But if the second master and I join forces to obstruct this matter, then the case will not be investigated and others may be fine, but my uncle will definitely be severely punished."
"The emperor's move is forcing me to make a choice between my uncle and my second master..."
What is the best way to deal with sowing discord?
Of course it’s honest!
Therefore, Zhu Yi simply made everything clear.
As a result, the atmosphere in the study suddenly darkened. The snow outside the window bent the branches and made a rustling sound when it fell to the ground.
There was a strong fire in the room, and the red-hot charcoal fire crackled softly. Zhang Xi slowly raised his head, and the smile also disappeared on his face, and said.
"So, how do you plan to choose, Mr. Guo?"
The two people's eyes met in the air, and a smile suddenly appeared on Zhu Yi's face. She picked up the tea cup and drank it in one gulp. The cup lightly hit the table, making a crisp sound.
"I...want both!"
Silence fell in the study.
Zhang Min raised his head, with Zhu Yi's confident voice still echoing in his ears. He looked at the young man in front of him, and was stunned for a moment, and then he laughed. There was a bit of unknown meaning in his eyes, and he said.
"The Duke has a huge appetite."
After hearing this, Zhu Yi gently shook his head, his face still calm and said.
"If I said that I would persuade my uncle to resign as governor and recommend the second master instead, would the second master believe it?"
The smile on Zhang Xi's face became thicker, but it made people unable to feel a trace of warmth. He also shook his head and said.
"Do not believe!"
As he spoke, his tone became a little sighing, and he said.
"Since the Duke of Guo is so honest, I won't hide it anymore."
"The Son of Heaven is the Son of Heaven after all!"
"I know that this is sowing discord, and the Duke also knows that this is sowing discord, but no one will give up what they have in their hands, right?"
Zhu Yi nodded slightly and said.
"The emperor's move is indeed clever, but he has forgotten that for the Duke of Chengguo, it is important to expand the right to speak in the military government, but the friendship of the British Duke is equally important, so the two of us
I won’t give up!”
Zhang Min's eyes looked at Zhu Yi, which became a little complicated. After a moment, he finally spoke.
"Appreciate further details!"
In fact, ever since Zhu Yi made it clear, the relationship between the two families has been on the verge of collapse.
As for the reason, as Zhang Xi said just now, no one is willing to spit out the fat in their mouth.
Even if Zhu Yi told him at this time that he would voluntarily give up the position of governor that Wang Qin had obtained, Zhang Shi would not believe it.
On the contrary, he only felt more that this was Zhu Yi's delaying strategy.
However, what he didn't expect was that Zhu Yi did not pretend to give up as he expected, but frankly expressed his true thoughts.
When he first heard that Zhu Yi wanted to have his cake and eat it too, Zhang Xi only thought it was funny. However, as Zhu Yi emphasized his position again, Zhang Xi also realized that the Duke in front of him was afraid that
I already have a plan in mind.
Seeing that Zhang Shi's attitude finally softened, Zhu Yi also relaxed. He picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for the other party and himself, and then Zhu Yi spoke.
"Second Master, you might as well think about a question first. Why did the emperor promote my uncle to take charge of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion?"
Zhang Xi looked at the steaming tea cup in front of him, narrowed his eyes slightly, and after a moment, he spoke.
"Obviously, it's because among the people I participated in the impeachment, there are officials from the Rear Army Governor's Office, but in fact, it's nothing more than trying to sow discord between the two governments."
This is something that everyone knows very well. Since the words have been mentioned to this extent, naturally there is nothing to hide.
Moreover, Zhu Yi obviously needs a talking point, the real meat of the drama, I'm afraid it's still to come.
As expected, after hearing these words, Zhu Yi showed a smile on his face and continued to ask questions.
"Then, why does the emperor want to sow discord between your two governments?"
This question was so strange that Zhang Min couldn't help but frown, because it was also obvious. There were many reasons why the emperor wanted to suppress the British government. Whether the British government had been secretly helping the emperor, or the emperor wanted to support Fan.
Waiting for a bunch of newly promoted nobles are all reasons, do you need to say more?
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi also realized that what he said was inappropriate, so he continued to add.
"Of course, it has long been an undisclosed secret that the emperor wants to suppress your government and mine. It is not a strange thing. What I mean is, why would the emperor choose this time to use such obvious means to sow discord between our two governments?
?”
"Or to take it a step further, even if the second master and I have a grudge over this matter, is it possible that we will part ways because of this?"
Zhang Min frowned and finally started to get serious.
After pondering for a moment, he gently shook his head and said.
"The advantages of the alliance between the two governments outweigh the disadvantages, not to mention..."
"Besides, the Emperor is still here, and he doesn't want to see the relationship between your government and ours break down."
Zhu Yi continued what Zhang Xi had said.
It should be said that so far, this matter has indeed benefited the Duke of Cheng, while the British government has suffered a great loss.
However, Zhang Min is no longer the impulsive Mr. Zhang he was back then. Now, the burden of the entire British government rests on his shoulders, so he naturally has to weigh the pros and cons when doing things.
Zhang Xi was certainly angry because he failed to achieve his goal. Wang Qin was promoted to governor. If the Duke of Chengguo accepted the offer happily, he would indeed have a grudge.
However, this does not mean that the two governments will break up.
It is a foregone conclusion that he did not get the position of Governor of the Military Government. If he breaks with the Chengguo Government again, then the prestige and status of the British Government will only further decline. This will not do any good except venting his anger.
Therefore, this was just the beginning. Although Zhang Min asked questions, he was still unwilling to clarify the reasons for everything.
If it is not stated clearly, then the two governments are still in harmony. Although there may be estrangement, it is far better than a complete break.
However, what does Zhu Yi mean by mentioning this?
Zhang Min even looked at Zhu Yi with a hint of doubt.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi continued.
"It is true that the grudge between you and my government is of great benefit to the emperor. However, unless you and I break up, there will be no immediate effect on the emperor."
"Just to bury a thorn in the side, you gave up the position of military governor for nothing. Don't you think that this is not worth the loss for the emperor?"
Zhang Xi had never thought about this issue.
Frowning his brows tightly, Mr. Zhang thought for a while, but he still couldn't figure it out, so he simply asked directly.
"what do you want to say in the end?"
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yi, who was familiar with Zhang Shi's temperament, knew that the man in front of him was already a little irritable. If he continued to show off, Mr. Zhang might lose his temper.
So, he pondered for a moment, thought about how to speak, and then said.
"Actually, the answer is very simple. This is the best solution that the emperor could think of under the circumstances at that time!"
"In other words, compared to Yu Cifu's suggestion, doing this is the cheapest way for the emperor to pay..."
This chapter has been completed!