After hearing Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but look bitter.
Zhao Junchen didn't want to get involved in today's debate at all, because no matter which side he supported, he would always offend the other side.
Emperor Deqing is Zhao Junchen's current supporter, so he must not be offended. However, Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, the three elders, all have great power in the government, so how can they be easily offended?
It is a pity that although the prince's party strongly advocated for Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet and Emperor Deqing also supported it, it could not withstand the joint opposition of the three cabinet elders. The momentum was not as strong as others. Faced with this situation, Emperor Deqing could not After all, it was time to find helpers to increase the momentum.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing approached his most favored Zhao Junchen.
At this time, when Emperor Deqing asked, his attitude seemed calm, but his piercing eyes were forcing Zhao Junchen to express his position.
For a time, the eyes of all the officials in the court and the court were focused on Zhao Junchen.
With a secret sigh in his heart, Zhao Junchen stepped out of the queue and said slowly: "Your Majesty, it seems to me that, aside from the disputes about the experience and ability of Grand Scholar Cheng, the ancestral rules of our dynasty must never be violated. Today, there are only three cabinet ministers in the cabinet, which is indeed against the rules, so it is imperative to add a new cabinet minister. In any case, this point cannot be disputed."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the officials in the court, whether they truly agreed with Zhao Junchen's statement or not, all nodded in agreement.
The six words "violating the rules of the ancestors" are always a big hat, and no one dares to wear it on their head easily.
After seeing all the officials nodding, Zhao Junchen continued: "Now, the knowledge, qualifications, and conduct of the great scholar Cheng Yuandao are recognized by everyone in the court. From these aspects, the great scholar Cheng Yuandao has certain qualities." Qualifications for joining the cabinet. However, as the two cabinet elders Zhou Shoufu and Shen and Huang said, joining the cabinet cannot only be based on knowledge, qualifications, character, administrative experience, and ability to do things. They are also indispensable. In this regard, I I also agree with it.”
After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Emperor Deqing's face darkened, thinking that Zhao Junchen was also going to oppose him, so he looked at Zhao Junchen with a bad look.
However, when he said this, Zhao Junchen suddenly changed the topic and said: "But on the other hand, no matter who the new cabinet minister is, we cannot only look at his ability and experience, his knowledge, his qualifications, his Character is also very important, otherwise you will not be able to convince the public. In other words, only by comprehensively considering the five aspects of knowledge, qualifications, conduct, ability, and experience can you decide on the best candidate."
When Zhao Junchen said this, Emperor Deqing understood what Zhao Junchen meant, and his expression gradually became gentle, and even showed a smile, but he did not give Zhao Junchen a chance to practice Tai Chi, but asked: "Oh ?Zhao Aiqing, although your words are reasonable, you still haven’t made a clear stance after all. I just want to know whether you support Cheng Yuandao’s entry into the cabinet?"
Seeing Emperor Deqing forcing himself to make his position clear, Zhao Junchen felt a little embarrassed, but he looked very calm and replied loudly: "Your Majesty, what I mean is that since a new cabinet minister must be added to the cabinet, and Although there are countless talents in the imperial court, in terms of comprehensive knowledge, conduct, qualifications, experience, and ability, there is no more suitable candidate than Bachelor Cheng Yuandao. Therefore, I support Bachelor Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. .”
In the end, Zhao Junchen chose to support Emperor Deqing.
Although offending Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others is troublesome, Zhao Junchen now cannot do without the support of Emperor Deqing.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to support Cheng Yuandao in joining the cabinet.
Although Zhao Junchen did not want to see Prince Zhu Heyu gain much power as a result.
But this is always the case in temples. The position is on one side, but the expression is on the other side.
Zhao Junchen's words not only supported Emperor Deqing, but also explained to Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao that there was a vacancy in the cabinet, and no one more suitable than Cheng Yuandao could be found for a while. With the strong support of Emperor Deqing, it was inevitable for Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. Even if he opposed it, it would only delay time.
As for Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, it is not up to Zhao Junchen to decide whether they can accept Zhao Junchen's explanation.
On the other side, Emperor Deqing was very satisfied with Zhao Junchen's statement. After nodding, he asked Zuo Lanshan, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, "Zuo Aiqing, you are also one of the six ministers, tell me your opinion. "
Zuo Lanshan, as an official of Zhao Junchen's faction, saw that Zhao Junchen had already expressed his opinion, so naturally he could not object, so he went out and said: "Your Majesty, I have the same idea as Mr. Zhao. Taking all aspects into consideration, Cheng Yuan, the Great Scholar of Cheng, He is indeed the most suitable candidate to join the cabinet.”
Emperor Deqing turned his eyes and looked at Zhan Shanchang, the minister of household affairs, and asked: "Zhan Aiqing, what do you mean?"
Zhan Shanchang naturally understood that Zhao Junchen's statement was forced, but as a close confidant of Zhao Junchen, he needed to keep in step with Zhao Junchen, so he also said: "Your Majesty, I also agree with Master Zhao."
Then, Emperor Deqing successively asked Liu Changan, Li Lide, Chen Dongxiang, Gu Quan and other "Zhao Party" officials, and these people naturally agreed with Zhao Junchen.
Therefore, because Emperor Deqing always picked people to ask questions, the people who answered all supported Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet, but Cheng Yuandao suddenly gained momentum.
After some questioning, Emperor Deqing's face became brighter and his mood improved a lot. He pretended to be silent and nodded, and slowly said: "This will make things difficult. I didn't expect Cheng Yuandao to join the cabinet. , has caused such a big controversy, half of the dear ministers in the DPRK support it, and half oppose it, but they are still in a stalemate."
Hearing Emperor Deqing say this, all the officials in the court looked strange.
Although the prince's party strongly supported Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet, and Zhao Junchen's party was forced to agree, compared with the opposition voices of Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, the situation was still not as good as before.
However, in the words of Emperor Deqing, it turned out to be "a divided opinion and a stalemate"!
But Emperor Deqing was the emperor after all, and he had a golden tongue. When he said this, no one dared to stand up and refute.
Or, relying on one's status as emperor and using "gold words" to talk nonsense is also part of the emperor's mentality.
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing seemed to be in a very difficult position. As if after thinking for a long time, he finally said slowly: "Since you all have different opinions but can't agree, I might as well make the decision on this matter... Speaking of which, Cheng He has been with me for many years and is an old minister, so the matter of Cheng Aiqing joining the cabinet has been decided, and I also believe in Cheng Aiqing's ability."
Seeing that some people still objected, Emperor Deqing added in a decisive tone: "This matter is settled."
As Emperor Deqing finished speaking, everyone in the prince's party was overjoyed, and Cheng Yuandao quickly came out to "thank the Lord for his kindness."
From then on, Cheng Yuandao will fill Wen Guanliang's vacancy and become the fourth cabinet minister after Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao.
And with his help, the prince's party will definitely gain momentum from now on.
At least, on the surface, that's true.
Although, Zhao Junchen did not think that Cheng Yuandao could defeat the other three pavilion elders.
On the other side, seeing that the situation had been decided, Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, Shen Changmao and others, although unwilling, had no choice but to accept it.
…………
After such an incident, calm was restored again in the morning court.
After Emperor Deqing inquired about the progress of the Chunwei Examination, seeing that there was nothing else to do, he announced that he would go down to court.
However, before going to court, Emperor Deqing announced that he would personally visit Fu Ling at Xiao Wen Ruan's mansion. Naturally, no official in the court would object to such a show of friendship between the emperor and his ministers.
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Because Emperor Deqing had specially asked Zhao Junchen to accompany him to the Xiao Mansion yesterday, so after the morning court, Zhao Junchen did not go to the Hubu Yamen to work, but waited outside the Meridian Gate.
Emperor Deqing seemed to have prepared for today's patrol, so he left the palace not long after coming to court.
When the emperor leaves the palace, it is natural that he will do so with great fanfare. He will drive everywhere, everyone will disperse, the guards will follow, they will blow whips to clear the way, and clear water will be sprinkled on the streets.
Zhao Junchen still couldn't understand why Emperor Deqing asked him to go to the Xiao Mansion to visit, but he didn't dare to neglect it. After seeing the royal chariot crown, he planned to follow him in a sedan chair.
Unexpectedly, before Zhao Junchen could give the order, Zhang De, the eunuch of Emperor Deqing, came to see him.
"Mr. Zhao, your Majesty has a decree, specifically allowing you to enter the royal chariot crown to have an audience, and go with your majesty to the Xiao Mansion." After saying that, Zhang De smiled flatteringly at Zhao Junchen, and said: "Congratulations, Mr. Zhao, for sitting on the imperial court with your majesty. To be crowned charioteer is a rare honor for ministers of our dynasty for hundreds of years."
…………
Emperor Deqing's royal chariot crown is very spacious, and the interior is like a room, with tables, chairs, and even bookshelves standing on the side.
After Zhao Junchen reported the matter, he got on the royal chariot crown and saw Emperor Deqing looking at a couplet in his hand. As he read it, he seemed very satisfied and kept nodding.
Seeing Zhao Junchen come in, Emperor Deqing put the couplet in his hand on the table and said: "Junchen, come and take a look, what do you think of this elegiac couplet I wrote for Xiao Wenruan?"
Understanding that Emperor Deqing was showing off his literary talent, Zhao Junchen quickly stepped forward and read it carefully.
First couplet: "The high wind and bright integrity will last forever, the lamentations move the earth, and the majestic spirit will always be in the sky."
Second line: "Eternal righteousness, loyalty for thousands of years, virtue spread all over the world, good reputation can turn into gold stars."
Horizontal comment: "Famous for generations to come"
Zhao Junchen's literary talent is average, but he can't see the reason. He only feels that this elegiac couplet is not only graceful in handwriting, but also quite grand in content, all of which reveal Emperor Deqing's imperial atmosphere and outstanding talent.
However, at this time, Zhao Junchen naturally would not miss the opportunity to please Emperor Deqing.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen looked full of admiration and said loudly: "Your Majesty's elegiac couplet is really excellent. The words not only express your Majesty's sorrow for Mrs. Xiao, but also express the life of Mrs. Xiao."
The moral integrity is described in detail, and the imperial aura is overflowing with majestic momentum, which makes people unconvincing. I think, although many people will go to the Xiao Mansion today to present elegiac couplets, I am afraid that they will not find a better one than His Majesty's.
Already."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen sighed again: "Old Master Xiao is extremely honored to have this elegiac couplet from His Majesty."
Obviously, Emperor Deqing was also very proud of this elegiac couplet. Although he did not directly accept Zhao Junchen's compliments, he acquiesced in them all.
After hearing Zhao Junchen mention "sorrow", Emperor Deqing sighed with emotion on his face: "Xiao Wenruan passed away suddenly. Even if I write a best elegiac couplet and bestow a great mourning honor, I still can't do it."
It has no impact on him. In fact, this so-called 'honour' was never meant for the dead, but for the living."
Having said this, Emperor Deqing glanced at Zhao Junchen with a meaning, and then said: "There are not many descendants of Xiao Wenruan who can become successful. Now that Xiao Wenruan has passed away, the Xiao family is gone."
I am afraid that the pillar of support will inevitably gradually decline in the future, so I want to reward Xiao Wen and Ruan Airong, and focus on promoting his descendants. I must let the world see that I still value the Xiao family, so that the descendants of the Xiao family will not be deceived in the future.
A person may be looked down upon and insulted, but one day he will be as glorious as he is today.”
Zhao Junchen did not expect that Emperor Deqing would have such thoughts. After being stunned for a moment, he praised: "Your Majesty is indeed a holy king and wise master, and he has thought so carefully about Mrs. Xiao."
Emperor Deqing sighed: "I have been with Xiao Wenjun for more than thirty years. He has always been loyal to me. He has tried his best to fulfill all my instructions, worked hard and never complained, but never complained about excessive demands. For such a minister
, no matter how much I do for him, it’s what I should do.”
After a pause, Emperor Deqing added: "Not just Xiao Wenruan, but any minister in the court, as long as he is as loyal and dedicated as Xiao Wenruan, I will never treat him badly. Even if something unexpected happens, I will never treat him badly."
He will also take care of his descendants, and that’s what the so-called friendship between monarch and ministers is.”
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen with a look full of profound meaning.
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen finally understood why Emperor Deqing would bring a completely unrelated person with him when he went to visit Xiao Mansion today.
Emperor Deqing was taking this opportunity to appease Zhao Junchen.
Considering that the situation in the temple is becoming increasingly unstable, the prince Zhu Heyu, who has always been hostile to Zhao Junchen, has gradually gained a foothold under the protection of Emperor Deqing. In addition, this morning, Zhao Junchen was forced by Emperor Deqing again.
Since he offended the three factions of Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, Emperor Deqing must have been worried that Zhao Junchen would be dissatisfied and would do this, but he had his own considerations.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but secretly smile bitterly.
The so-called emperor's mind, every word and action has a deep meaning behind it.
It now seems that when Emperor Deqing ordered Zhao Junchen to accompany him to the Xiao Mansion yesterday, he had already made up his mind to force Zhao Junchen to express his support for Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet this morning.
I am afraid that even if there is no prince's party today, Emperor Deqing will take the initiative to mention Cheng Yuandao's entry into the cabinet.
"You can do things for me with confidence and boldness. From now on, no matter whether you take the blame or offend others, I will protect you." - Emperor Deqing's words just now, although he was talking about his relationship with
The friendship between Xiao Wen and Ruan, but in fact, that’s what it means.
Although he was thinking this in his heart, Zhao Junchen looked very moved. He stood up and saluted Emperor Deqing and said: "Your Majesty is so considerate of us and other ministers. I am very moved. I will definitely be loyal and dedicated in the future."
, I will not disappoint Your Majesty."
Emperor Deqing seemed very satisfied when he saw Zhao Junchen like this. He nodded with a smile and said, "I am relieved that you have such thoughts."
…………
Along the way, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but feel the friendship between him and Xiao Wenruan over the years, and Zhao Junchen also praised him from time to time.
As time passed, the imperial chariot stopped very quickly, and the guards came to report that Xiao Mansion had arrived.
Emperor Deqing stood up and told Zhao Junchen: "Help me hold this elegiac couplet. I will personally give it to the descendants of the Xiao family."
After Zhao Junchen agreed, he held Emperor Deqing's elegiac couplet in his hands.
Then, Zhao Junchen followed Emperor Deqing and took off his imperial chariot crown. He raised his head and looked towards Xiao Mansion, but his expression changed slightly.
At this time, outside the Xiao Mansion, because Xiao Wenruan passed away, he was wearing white clothes and plain clothes. After receiving the news, the descendants of the Xiao family had already knelt down outside the mansion to greet him.
What made Zhao Junchen's expression slightly change was because of an elegiac couplet hanging in a conspicuous place outside the door of Xiao's residence.
"Those who attach themselves to the father-in-law are probably gentlemen, while those who serve as the father-in-law must be villains. They will work hard and return to their souls as if they were alive;"
"I am a national scholar who relies on him in the temple. I hear about his majesty in the grassland. He cares about his country as if he were at home. Now he is the one who cherishes the public in the world."
As the saying goes, there is heaven outside, and there are people outside people. People are more likely to die than others, and goods are thrown away when comparing goods.
The elegiac couplet written by Emperor Deqing seemed to Zhao Junchen to be excellent and quite majestic, but compared with this elegiac couplet, both artistic conception and literary talent were far inferior and could not be compared at all.
.
If the elegiac couplet in front of us uses plain words to describe Xiao Wen Ruan's life, but makes people feel that the artistic conception is far-reaching, then the elegiac couplet of Emperor Deqing is a vulgar work that blindly piles up gorgeous rhetoric.
If that's all, that's it. However, as Emperor Deqing is the emperor, the elegiac couplet he presented will inevitably replace this elegiac couplet and be hung in the most conspicuous place. In this way, the two will inevitably be commented and compared by the world.
By that time, Emperor Deqing's vulgar painting had actually replaced this elegiac couplet, and he was probably going to be secretly laughed at.
The emperor personally wrote the elegiac couplet and presented it as a gift. This is a rare good story in a century, but if such a situation happens, it will be an embarrassment that cannot be seen in a century.
Emperor Deqing naturally did not want to see such a scene because he was very proud of his achievements.
"This elegiac couplet has no name, and I don't know who wrote it."
Zhao Junchen naturally could not have thought that this elegiac couplet was written anonymously by Zhou Shangjing. The content even scolded Zhou Shangjing himself. He just secretly looked at Emperor Deqing and found that Emperor Deqing's expression was indeed a little embarrassed.
Seeing this situation, Zhao Junchen gritted his teeth and used a little force with his hands, but he tore a little of the elegiac couplet written by Emperor Deqing himself in his hands.
Then, Zhao Junchen apologized softly to Emperor Deqing with a grimace: "Your Majesty, I deserve to die. I accidentally tripped when I got out of the car. I failed to take good care of your Majesty's calligraphy treasure and actually tore it."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Emperor Deqing was stunned for a moment, then relaxed, and then scolded him: "Why are you so careless!? That's all, since this elegiac couplet has been torn, put it away. Bar."
…………
Later, Zhao Junchen followed Emperor Deqing and paid all kinds of condolences and visits to the Xiao Mansion without mentioning it. He only said that after Zhao Junchen finished everything, he returned to the mansion and found that Wei Huai was already waiting in the Zhao Mansion.
Wei Huai was extremely efficient in his work. In less than a day, he had found out what happened to Chu Jiayi!
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Well, here is a 5,000-word chapter. Thank you again for your likes. (To be continued. Please search Piaotian Literature, the novel will be better and updated faster!)
