Chapter 41

Zhou Shangjing's proposal was very tempting, but after a moment's consideration, Zhao Junchen still chose to refuse.

In fact, from the very beginning, there was no need to hesitate over this issue.

Emperor Deqing was Zhao Junchen's only support in this era. It could be said without exaggeration that without Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen would be nothing. The emperor's favor was the foundation of Zhao Junchen's current power and status. Therefore, at least in the short term, Zhao Junchen would never betray Emperor Deqing.

Compared to the vague promise of a cabinet position, Emperor Deqing's support was more practical for Zhao Junchen.

Thus, despite the expectation and encouragement in Zhou Shangjing's eyes, Zhao Junchen said with a helpless look, "Prime Minister, you are really flattering me. I am just a lowly Minister of Revenue, with little influence. How can I stop the emperor's southern tour? Your words are really a joke."

Zhou Shangjing looked deeply at Zhao Junchen and said, "Junchen, you should think about it again. This is a rare opportunity, and entering the cabinet is not an easy thing."

Zhao Junchen also sighed and said, "I would like to, but I am truly powerless. I fear I will disappoint your expectations, Prime Minister."

Seeing Zhao Junchen's firm attitude, Zhou Shangjing sighed slowly, shook his head, and muttered, "Forget it, forget it..."

As he spoke, Zhou Shangjing patted Zhao Junchen's shoulder and then turned to leave.

Although Zhou Shangjing had left, Zhao Junchen's frown deepened. He really couldn't understand why Zhou Shangjing would rather let him enter the cabinet and share power than allow Emperor Deqing to tour the south.

Looking at Zhou Shangjing's trembling back, Zhao Junchen suddenly felt he understood something.

Although Zhou Shangjing was a powerful minister, at his age, he probably valued the continuation of his family's power more than his own status.

Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen waved to the court official who had been the most attentive to him earlier.

Then, the official ran to Zhao Junchen, his face full of humble smiles, and said, "I am the Deputy Minister of Rites, Zhan Shanchang, paying my respects to Minister Zhao."

Hearing Zhan Shanchang's words, Zhao Junchen was taken aback. He didn't expect this official, who was so humble to him, to be of the same rank as himself.

Zhao Junchen carefully observed him and indeed, this man's official robe was identical to his own. He was about forty years old, and to hold the position of a third-rank Deputy Minister at this age, though not as impressive as Zhao Junchen, was still quite rare.

However, precisely because this man was only about forty and already a Deputy Minister of Rites, he must have a strong backing in the court. If so, why was he so eager to please Zhao Junchen?

Although he was a bit puzzled, Zhao Junchen didn't want to think too much about it at this moment. He just said, "It's Minister Zhan. Earlier, in the chaos, I didn't notice that we are of the same rank. I apologize for my oversight."

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Zhan Shanchang looked flattered and said, "Not at all, Minister Zhao, you are too kind. You alone manage the Ministry of Revenue and enjoy the emperor's favor. How can I compare to you?"

Zhao Junchen frowned slightly and said slowly, "Minister Zhan, you are mistaken. Since we are of the same rank, how can you call yourself a subordinate? Moreover, the Ministry of Revenue belongs to the court, to the emperor. The current Minister of Revenue is Li Chengru. How can I claim to manage it alone?"

Zhan Shanchang looked panicked and quickly said, "It's me, the subordinate... I was careless. Minister Zhao, you are absolutely right."

Zhan Shanchang was about to call himself "the official," but thought it sounded a bit arrogant, so he ended up using the awkward term "this one."

Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, then got to the point, "Minister Zhan, do you know if the Prime Minister has any relatives serving in the south?"

Although Zhan Shanchang didn't know why Zhao Junchen was asking this, he still said, "As far as I know, the Prime Minister's eldest grandson, Zhou Suhai, is currently the Prefect of Suzhou."

Zhao Junchen nodded, but his frown deepened.

It seemed that something significant must have happened in the south, at least in Suzhou.

Rarely having a chance to talk alone with Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang was preparing to seize the opportunity to get closer to him. However, before he could speak, the bell at the Meridian Gate rang, and the gate slowly opened.

The morning court session was about to begin.

As the Meridian Gate opened, the three other cabinet members—Huang Yourong, Wen Guanliang, and Shen Changmao—finally arrived, almost on the bell. Zhao Junchen couldn't help but suspect that they had been there all along, just waiting for the bell to ring to make an appearance. Otherwise, how could they have arrived so conveniently?

"Minister Zhan, let's enter the court."

After nodding to the three cabinet members, Zhao Junchen said to Zhan Shanchang, but noticed that Zhan Shanchang's expression was very strange when he saw the three cabinet members.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Zhan Shanchang hesitated, then finally nodded and followed Zhao Junchen into the palace.

...

After entering the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhao Junchen was very low-key, standing in his position and occasionally nodding to others, but not speaking much.

Although many people knew that Zhao Junchen was the key figure in today's morning court session.

With Zhao Junchen's return to the capital, whether Emperor Deqing could tour the south would be decided today.

After waiting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a eunuch's shrill voice called out, "His Majesty has arrived~~~ All officials, kneel to welcome~~~"

The voice was quite familiar, and it was the eunuch Zhang De who had accompanied the emperor a few days ago.

"Long live the emperor, may he reign for ten thousand years!"

As all the officials knelt, Zhao Junchen glanced up and saw that Emperor Deqing looked particularly excited today, with a ruddy complexion and bright eyes, his beard fluttering.

"Rise."

As Emperor Deqing spoke, Zhao Junchen and the other officials stood up, waiting for the eunuch to announce the usual "Speak up if you have matters to report, otherwise, the court is dismissed."

However, Zhang De seemed to have completely forgotten and stood there silently.

In the silence, Emperor Deqing spoke.

"For the past few days, I have asked you to submit memorials discussing the pros and cons of the southern tour. I have read all of them, and I am very disappointed! As my ministers, not one of you understands the deeper meaning of my desire to tour the south! Instead, you have found numerous excuses to prevent me from going!"

Emperor Deqing snorted and continued, "Your reasons for preventing me from touring the south are four: first, the southern tour has no practical significance and is unnecessary; second, as the Son of Heaven, I should remain in the capital and not leave lightly; third, the southern tour will disturb the people and require a large mobilization; fourth, the southern tour will be very expensive, and the Ministry of Revenue lacks funds. These reasons may seem sufficient, but in my view, they are laughable, or easily refutable, or easily resolved. Using these excuses to prevent me from touring the south is simply the height of incompetence!"

Hearing Emperor Deqing's words, Zhao Junchen felt that they sounded familiar. After a moment, he recalled that these were the very words he had once said to Emperor Deqing. Now, the emperor was repeating them to the court, with only a few words changed.

Emperor Deqing ignored the officials' changing expressions and continued, "First, you think my southern tour is just for show and has no practical significance. This is a narrow-minded and outdated view. Our empire is vast, and various problems can easily arise. Zhejiang and Anhui are key areas for salt and grain, and cannot be neglected. I need to tour these places to emphasize the emperor's presence, spread the emperor's authority, make local officials and elders respect the court, strengthen the connection between the central government and the regions, and understand the people's lives and hardships. Isn't this the true meaning of the southern tour?"

As the officials were at a loss for words, Zhao Junchen secretly thought, "These are the words I said..."

At the same time, Zhou Shangjing, standing in front of the officials, changed his expression.

Emperor Deqing continued, "Second, you think that as the Son of Heaven, I should remain in the capital and not leave lightly, as it could cause trouble. This reason is even more laughable. If the empire would fall into chaos the moment I leave the capital, is it my fault or yours? Moreover, to build the nation, you have different views and argue with each other. How can I formulate policies without personally understanding the situation? Should I just listen to one side? Using this reason to prevent me from touring the south is truly despicable!"

Zhao Junchen secretly thought, "These are the words I said..."

Hearing these words, Zhou Shangjing's expression became even stranger.

Seeing that the officials had nothing to say, Emperor Deqing pressed on, "As for the issue of disturbing the people and requiring a large mobilization, this can be easily resolved. The main reason my southern tour disturbs the people is the construction of temporary palaces, which requires labor and the use of private homes. However, my tour is for the good of the country and the people. Why must I stay in a temporary palace? I can stay in any Jiangnan garden, which will not disturb the people."

Zhao Junchen secretly sighed, "This idea was mine..."

Although slightly annoyed by Emperor Deqing's plagiarism, Zhao Junchen would never say it out loud.

The reason Zhao Junchen had told Emperor Deqing these things yesterday was to let the emperor shine at this moment.

Flattering the emperor by offering ideas and letting him take the credit is always the best way for a minister to gain favor.

...

On the other side, seeing his rebuttal leave the officials speechless, Emperor Deqing was very pleased. Although he tried to look serious, the smile on his lips was obvious to everyone.

"As for the issue of the southern tour being very expensive and the Ministry of Revenue lacking funds... Minister Zhao, are you here?"

Hearing Emperor Deqing's call, Zhao Junchen quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have calculated that if you do not build a temporary palace, the funds for the southern tour, 200,000 taels, will be more than enough. The Ministry of Revenue can provide this amount."

According to Zhao Junchen's plan, Emperor Deqing would not stay in a temporary palace but in Jiangnan gardens. These famous gardens are mostly owned by wealthy merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang. It would be a great honor for them to host the emperor, and by hinting at this to the merchants, the 200,000 taels could be easily obtained.

However, the court could not openly ask merchants for bribes, so Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen could only be vague about it.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's response, Emperor Deqing nodded in satisfaction and looked at the officials, asking, "Since that is the case, what more do you have to say about my southern tour?"

Faced with Emperor Deqing's question, all the officials looked at the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing and the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu.

Previously, these two were the main forces opposing Emperor Deqing's southern tour.

However, Zhou Shangjing remained silent, looking indifferent, as if he had never opposed the emperor's tour.

Emperor Deqing's rebuttal, though unintentional, had indeed revealed that Zhou Shangjing had concealed some information from the emperor. Feeling guilty, Zhou Shangjing thought the emperor's words were directed at him and dared not speak up.

On the other side, the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, seeing Zhou Shangjing's silence, frowned, feeling isolated, but still stepped forward and said, "Father, I have something to say."

Emperor Deqing also frowned and said slowly, "Speak."

Sensing Emperor Deqing's displeasure, Zhu Heyu felt a bit wronged but still said, "Father's words are reasonable, and I have nothing to say about that. However, as I understand, the Ministry of Revenue has no more than 100,000 taels in reserve. How can it provide the funds for your southern tour? Zhao Junchen's claim that the Ministry of Revenue can provide 200,000 taels is a crime of deceiving the emperor. I hope Father will see through this."

Before Emperor Deqing could respond, Zhao Junchen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I did not lie. The Ministry of Revenue currently has 3.7 million taels in reserve. 200,000 taels is a small amount that we can provide."

Zhu Heyu sneered, "The amount of reserve funds and the amount of available funds are different. The Ministry of Revenue's 3.7 million taels are mostly allocated for various purposes, such as officials' salaries and border defense. Excluding these, there are not 200,000 taels available."

On the other side, the Minister of Revenue, Li Chengru, also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is right. The Ministry of Revenue has a large reserve, but the available funds are definitely not 200,000 taels. If you don't believe me, you can check the accounts."

Hearing Li Chengru's words, Zhao Junchen frowned. He had already marginalized Li Chengru, and only Li Chengru could estimate the current available funds. Therefore, Zhao Junchen did not believe that Zhu Heyu and Li Chengru knew the details of the Ministry of Revenue's finances.

However, Zhao Junchen did not want to argue with them, as it would lead to an audit of the Ministry of Revenue, which would give them a reason to interfere. Zhao Junchen was not willing to do that.

However, before Zhao Junchen could say anything, Zhu Heyu said, "If Zhao Junchen says the Ministry of Revenue has 200,000 taels available, he is either deceiving the emperor or planning to reallocate funds. Father, moving funds from the Ministry of Revenue without permission is a serious crime! In short, in my view, Zhao Junchen's words today are either deceit or overstepping his authority. I hope Father will see through this."

Hearing Zhu Heyu's words, Emperor Deqing frowned even more, but at this moment, he could not favor Zhao Junchen, so he asked, "Minister Zhao, what do you have to say about the Crown Prince's words?"

Zhao Junchen was not flustered but smiled and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's words seem reasonable but underestimate my abilities. Financial management is about increasing revenue and reducing expenses. The Ministry of Revenue's funds are allocated for various purposes, and I will not reduce them. However, if it comes to increasing revenue, I am confident I can raise 200,000 to 300,000 taels for the treasury."

Zhu Heyu sneered, "You talk easily, but 200,000 taels are not something you can just produce. Father plans to tour the south next spring, and the central and local governments need several months to prepare. You have only about a month to raise the funds. Where will you find 200,000 taels in such a short time?"

Zhao Junchen sighed and said, "I propose a bet with the Crown Prince. I will raise 200,000 taels without reallocating funds from the Ministry of Revenue. What do you think?"

Before Zhu Heyu could respond, Emperor Deqing suddenly spoke.

"Since it's a bet, there must be a stake. I will set the stake. If Minister Zhao can raise 200,000 taels for the Ministry of Revenue within a month, his financial skills are far superior to his peers. Given his success in disaster relief in Lu'an, he can be promoted to Minister of Revenue, and the current Minister of Revenue, Li Chengru, will be reassigned. If Minister Zhao fails to raise 200,000 taels within a month, it will be a crime of deceiving the emperor. Crown Prince, Minister Zhao, what do you think?"

"Since Your Majesty has spoken, I will accept the challenge."

Zhao Junchen bowed and said.

Both Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen were confident that Zhao Junchen could raise 200,000 taels within a month. The merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang have agents in the capital, and by hinting at the emperor's intention to stay in Jiangnan gardens during the southern tour, the merchants would be willing to pay 200,000 taels to host the emperor.

However, to Zhao Junchen's and Emperor Deqing's surprise, Zhu Heyu suddenly said, "Father, I have heard that someone is trying to extort bribes from Jiangnan merchants for the right to host the emperor during the southern tour. In my view, this is a disgrace to the court and must not be allowed! Moreover, Minister Zhao has considerable wealth and can easily provide 200,000 taels to the Ministry of Revenue. If he wins the bet this way, isn't it like buying the position of Minister of Revenue with 200,000 taels?"

Hearing Zhu Heyu's words, Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen were both shocked!

Zhu Heyu's words proved that he had already learned about their secret plan!

Zhu Heyu continued, "Therefore, I think the bet can proceed, and Your Majesty's stake is acceptable. However, if Minister Zhao can raise 200,000