Chapter 51

Unconsciously, the sky had grown dark, the moon hung on the branches, and the night was calm and peaceful. But for many, tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.

……

In the residence of the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing, in the main hall, Zhou Shangjing sat in the main seat, slowly sipping his clear tea.

In front of him, the Minister of Personnel Song Qiweng was sitting beside him.

Song Qiweng, among the senior officials of the court, was relatively young, not yet fifty, with a refined appearance and a steady personality, always highly regarded by Zhou Shangjing.

As the most capable and trusted aide of Zhou Shangjing in the court, Song Qiweng was loyal to Zhou Shangjing and had firmly controlled the Ministry of Personnel, a crucial department, for many years.

Over the years, no one could count how many of Zhou Shangjing's disciples and former subordinates had been placed in key positions throughout the court and local governments by the Ministry of Personnel.

It was precisely because he controlled the Ministry of Personnel that Zhou Shangjing could handle the court with ease. No matter how much the other cabinet elders tried, they could not threaten his position.

The importance of Song Qiweng to Zhou Shangjing was self-evident, but in front of Zhou Shangjing, Song Qiweng showed no hint of pride or self-importance.

At this moment, the main hall was silent. Zhou Shangjing was slowly sipping his tea, not saying a word, and Song Qiweng showed no sign of impatience, only waiting respectfully.

Because Song Qiweng knew that Zhou Shangjing was thinking.

After a long while, Zhou Shangjing slowly put down his teacup and finally spoke.

"Have you heard about what happened today?"

Song Qiweng nodded and replied, "Yes, Zhao Junchen has created a substitute for soap, called 'yanzi,' which is said to have a promising profit outlook. The emperor has already decreed that it will be exclusively produced and sold by the Inner Treasury. Also, the case of cheating in the autumn examination of the three provinces was concluded ahead of schedule at Zhao Junchen's suggestion. The originally most suspected person, Zhan Shanchang, has escaped punishment. Now, many in the court are surprised by this."

Zhou Shangjing smiled, with a hint of admiration, and slowly said, "This Zhao Junchen has been doing things that have repeatedly surprised me. When he opened the Yu Rongfang, I thought it was just a gimmick, but I didn't expect him to really make it work. The case of cheating in the autumn examination of the three provinces was also skillfully resolved by him without much fuss. Now, after this incident, many officials in the court are likely to be eager to join him."

Song Qiweng shook his head, not taking it seriously, and said, "The power distribution in the court and key departments has long been stable, even the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu can't interfere. Even if Zhao Junchen gains some reputation and some opportunists join him due to the case of cheating in the autumn examination, without a solid foundation, he is far from being a significant force."

Hearing this, Zhou Shangjing's brows slightly furrowed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Song Qiweng then asked, puzzled, "But, is that 'yanzi' really so valuable? The deadline for his bet with the Crown Prince is less than ten days away. If he loses the bet, all his efforts these days will have been in vain."

Zhou Shangjing smiled faintly and said, "With the bait, there's no need to worry about no big fish taking the hook. This bet, Zhao Junchen is likely to win."

After a pause, Zhou Shangjing continued, "I called you here not because of these matters, but because I received a message that Zhao Junchen met with Wen Guanliang at Tianhai Tower this evening. The meeting broke down, and they parted on bad terms."

Song Qiweng was not surprised and smiled lightly, saying, "This is to be expected. Zhao Junchen saved Zhan Shanchang and lured away Tong Huan, which damaged Wen Guanliang's reputation. How could Wen Guanliang let it go? If neither of them backs down, there will surely be a conflict."

At this point, a hint of enthusiasm flashed in Song Qiweng's eyes, and he asked Zhou Shangjing, "As the saying goes, 'When the clam and the stork fight, the fisherman benefits.' The upcoming conflict between Wen Guanliang and Zhao Junchen will leave them both preoccupied. This is a rare opportunity. If we seize the right moment, we might gain a lot. What do you think, Chief Cabinet Minister?"

Hearing this, Zhou Shangjing's expression became more serious, and after a moment of silence, he said slowly, "I called you here to remind you. In this conflict between Wen Guanliang and Zhao Junchen, you must restrain our people and not get involved. Let them fight it out."

Song Qiweng was taken aback, not understanding why Zhou Shangjing made this decision, but he always followed Zhou Shangjing's orders. Although he was puzzled and somewhat reluctant, he still agreed.

Seeing Song Qiweng's confusion and reluctance, Zhou Shangjing, with a hint of fatigue on his aged face, sighed lightly and explained, "I know this is a rare opportunity, but compared to this, I want to use this opportunity to see some things clearly."

Song Qiweng did not press further, only looking at Zhou Shangjing quietly, waiting for him to explain more.

Zhou Shangjing seemed preoccupied today. After another moment of silence, he asked, "Qiweng, what do you think the current emperor thinks of Zhao Junchen?"

Song Qiweng pondered for a moment and replied, "In the court and the country, it is rumored that Zhao Junchen is the emperor's illegitimate son. But from my perspective, the emperor probably doesn't care much about this. Zhu Heyu is the emperor's legitimate son and the rightful heir, but he has been suppressed by the emperor for years. This shows that the emperor doesn't take such matters seriously."

Zhou Shangjing nodded, signaling Song Qiweng to continue.

Song Qiweng continued, "However, Zhao Junchen has always been the emperor's favorite, and he always meets the emperor's demands. In terms of financial management, no one in the court can match him. Since he took charge of the Ministry of Revenue, the emperor has rarely worried about money. Now, he has become indispensable to the emperor, and his favor is likely due to this."

Zhou Shangjing sighed and said, "You still see things too narrowly."

Hearing this, Song Qiweng was slightly taken aback and bowed his head, saying, "Please instruct me, Chief Cabinet Minister."

Zhou Shangjing slowly said, "I say you see things too narrowly because you underestimate the current emperor. The current emperor has been on the throne for over thirty years. Although he has no great achievements, the court and the country have been stable, with few disturbances. How many emperors in history have achieved this?"

Seeing Song Qiweng deep in thought, Zhou Shangjing continued, "In terms of governance, the current emperor is far inferior to the previous emperor, but in terms of controlling officials and imperial strategy, he is even better. The key to imperial strategy is balance. A harmonious court and united officials are what emperors least want to see. Only when factions fight to the death can the empire be stable. Why do I keep Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong, these three mediocre officials, in the cabinet? It is precisely for this reason. Driving them to extinction would be easy, but if I did that, the current emperor would be restless, viewing me as an enemy and doing everything to counter me."

At this point, Zhou Shangjing sighed deeply and continued, "However, Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong, despite the emperor's support and our tolerance, have not become a significant force. On the surface, they seem to be my equal, but the reality is clear to anyone with eyes. How could it be hidden from the current emperor?"

Hearing this, Song Qiweng, connecting it to their previous conversation, was shocked and asked, "Chief Cabinet Minister, do you mean that the current emperor is intentionally supporting Zhao Junchen to replace Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong, to counter you?"

Zhou Shangjing shook his head and said solemnly, "I am not sure about this, it is just a guess. Zhao Junchen is too young, and in the emperor's eyes, he may not be capable of such a heavy responsibility. However, the events of today, though seemingly ordinary, are worth pondering."

Under Song Qiweng's puzzled gaze, Zhou Shangjing slowly explained, "At Zhao Junchen's suggestion, the emperor concluded the case of cheating in the autumn examination of the three provinces ahead of schedule, thus saving Zhan Shanchang. This happened in the afternoon, and it is normal for you, me, and Wen Guanliang to get the news. But now, not only have we received the news, but by late afternoon, most of the court has also received it. By tomorrow, the news will have spread throughout the capital. Qiweng, who do you think leaked this information?"

Song Qiweng was startled and instinctively said, "The emperor..."

Zhou Shangjing nodded and said solemnly, "This kind of thing, perhaps only the emperor would do. He is increasing Zhao Junchen's reputation. The reason I don't want you to get involved in the conflict between Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang is to see one thing clearly: whether the emperor will be pleased to see the conflict and help Zhao Junchen suppress Wen Guanliang, or whether he will try to prevent it and maintain the balance of power."

Hearing this, Song Qiweng understood and said, "If the emperor is pleased to see the conflict and helps Zhao Junchen suppress Wen Guanliang, it proves that your guess is correct. The emperor is dissatisfied with the current court situation and is preparing to support Zhao Junchen to replace Wen Guanliang, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao to counter you. If he tries to prevent it and maintain the balance, then we are overthinking it."

After a pause, Song Qiweng continued, "However, from my perspective, the former is more likely. The emperor would not increase Zhao Junchen's reputation for no reason. In the court, if someone is to replace Wen Guanliang, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao, Zhao Junchen, though young, is the best choice. But you don't need to worry, Chief Cabinet Minister. Zhao Junchen is just a young man with a shallow foundation. Even if he gains some advantage, he is no match for you."

Zhou Shangjing looked at Song Qiweng and shook his head, his expression showing disappointment, but more so, sternness and dissatisfaction.

Noticing Zhou Shangjing's expression, Song Qiweng knew he must have misunderstood or said something wrong, and quickly bowed his head, saying, "I am shallow, please instruct me, Chief Cabinet Minister."

Zhou Shangjing frowned, staring at Song Qiweng for a long time, and then said slowly, "If you can only think this far, you will not achieve anything in the future, and you will only harm yourself and others. The reason I am unsure about the emperor's actions is that if he really intends to do this, he may already have the intention to kill Zhao Junchen in the future."

Song Qiweng was shocked. He was not stupid. After hearing Zhou Shangjing's words, he pondered for a moment and understood Zhou Shangjing's meaning, a chill running through him.

Zhao Junchen is too young. Managing the Ministry of Revenue is one thing, but if at such a young age, he has already become a significant force in the court, even rivaling Zhou Shangjing, then in a few years, when Emperor Deqing dies and a new emperor ascends the throne, what will Zhao Junchen's power be like? How can the new emperor sit securely on the throne?

At that time, will this Ming dynasty be the Zhu family's or Zhao Junchen's?

Regardless of whether Zhao Junchen is Emperor Deqing's illegitimate son, he is surnamed Zhao, not Zhu!

Emperor Deqing cannot have failed to consider this.

Therefore, it can be imagined that the more Emperor Deqing supports Zhao Junchen, the more determined he is to kill Zhao Junchen in the future!

The imperial strategy is unfathomable and merciless. Although Zhao Junchen is the emperor's favorite, if it is for the stability of the empire, Emperor Deqing will do anything.

However, after Zhou Shangjing's reminder, Song Qiweng thought even further.

This time, Zhao Junchen saved Zhan Shanchang, gaining a reputation among the corrupt officials in the court. But the clean and virtuous officials will hate him even more. It can be imagined that in the future, even if Zhao Junchen expands his power, the officials who gather around him will only be corrupt and evil. As Zhao Junchen's power grows in the court, his reputation will become even worse.

In this way, if Zhao Junchen is killed and his faction eliminated, whether by Emperor Deqing or the new emperor, it will gain great popularity.

Moreover, Zhao Junchen and Crown Prince Zhu Heyu are known to be bitter enemies. Although Emperor Deqing has been suppressing Zhu Heyu and supporting Zhao Junchen for various reasons, if he secretly has the intention to kill Zhao Junchen, does he also have the intention to make Zhu Heyu the successor?

After all, although Emperor Deqing dislikes Zhu Heyu, Zhu Heyu is still the crown prince, and Emperor Deqing cannot ignore him!

Most importantly, if Emperor Deqing really intends to support Zhao Junchen to counter Zhou Shangjing, then supporting Zhao Junchen is just a means. Emperor Deqing's ultimate goal is to suppress Zhou Shangjing. How does Emperor Deqing view Zhou Shangjing?

Thinking of this, as Zhou Shangjing's capable aide, Song Qiweng felt a chill.

No wonder Zhou Shangjing is so cautious, even neglecting to obstruct Emperor Deqing's southern tour. There is such a consideration!

On the other side, Zhou Shangjing, seeing Song Qiweng's changing expression, knew that Song Qiweng finally understood his thoughts. He sighed lightly and said, "So, let's wait and see."

As he spoke, Zhou Shangjing slowly stood up, turned, and walked into the residence, leaving Song Qiweng, with a chill, alone in the main hall.

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