Chapter 52

While Zhou Shangjing and Song Qiweng were discussing how Emperor Deqing viewed Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen was also pondering the same question.

After resolving the case of the autumn examination fraud in the three provinces, Zhao Junchen clearly remembered Emperor Deqing's seemingly casual yet profound inquiry.

It was evident that Emperor Deqing had already guessed Zhao Junchen's intentions to some extent, but he had not shown any reaction.

This was a question worth delving into.

Since coming to this world, Zhao Junchen had always regarded Emperor Deqing as his greatest support and backing, but this did not mean that Zhao Junchen trusted Emperor Deqing!

In fact, Zhao Junchen had never trusted Emperor Deqing; instead, he had always been cautiously on guard against him.

In another timeline, how Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty treated Heshen was something Zhao Junchen knew very well.

Limited by his experience, Zhao Junchen did not have the shrewdness of Zhou Shangjing, but he understood a simple truth: although he was Emperor Deqing's favorite minister, he was still just a favorite minister. Zhu Heyu, although not favored by Emperor Deqing, was still the emperor's legitimate son and the crown prince!

Moreover, so far, although Emperor Deqing increasingly disliked Zhu Heyu, he had not yet considered replacing the crown prince.

Therefore, Emperor Deqing would suppress Zhu Heyu for various reasons and indulge Zhao Junchen for various reasons. When the two had conflicts, Emperor Deqing would often favor Zhao Junchen, but if Emperor Deqing had to choose between the two, he would undoubtedly choose Zhu Heyu without hesitation.

A favorite minister and a crown prince would never be of equal weight in any emperor's heart.

In Zhao Junchen's view, because of the existence of Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, Emperor Deqing's perception of him and his perception of Emperor Deqing should be nearly the same.

That is, while relying on and utilizing each other, they were also cautiously on guard.

The reason Zhao Junchen wanted to deal with Zhu Heyu, besides the threat Zhu Heyu posed to him, was that as long as Zhu Heyu remained the crown prince, there would always be an irreconcilable contradiction between Zhao Junchen and Emperor Deqing, even if they appeared to be in harmony.

Whether this contradiction could be resolved would largely determine Zhao Junchen's life and death.

...

However, although Emperor Deqing's attitude towards Zhao Junchen was very subtle, just as Qin Hui was to Emperor Gaozong of Song and Heshen was to Emperor Qianlong, Zhao Junchen had irreplaceable value to Emperor Deqing.

Because of this value, Emperor Gaozong tolerated Qin Hui, Emperor Qianlong tolerated Heshen, and from all indications, Emperor Deqing also tolerated Zhao Junchen.

What Zhao Junchen needed to do now was to continuously demonstrate his value to Emperor Deqing while taking advantage of the emperor's tolerance to quickly expand his power.

Although Zhao Junchen was well aware that this might cause Emperor Deqing to be wary and suspicious, he had no other choice.

Zhao Junchen now had both immediate and long-term concerns. He had too many enemies and too few allies, and each one was potentially fatal. If he knew how to vie for power and form alliances, he might still have a chance of survival, but if he did nothing and only reacted to situations, he would surely die.

This time, Zhao Junchen did not deliberately hide the fact that he had taken in Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan, partly to test Emperor Deqing's tolerance.

Understanding Emperor Deqing's tolerance was crucial for Zhao Junchen's subsequent plans and needed to be thoroughly investigated.

However, what Zhao Junchen did not expect was that Emperor Deqing fully accepted his flattery and seemed quite satisfied, but showed no reaction to his expansion of power and formation of alliances, not even a hint of warning!

Could it be that Emperor Deqing was so confident in him?

Or had he seriously underestimated Emperor Deqing's tolerance?

Zhao Junchen could not figure it out.

The only thing that reassured Zhao Junchen was that the southern tour was now largely resolved, and through this opportunity, he had once again demonstrated his value to Emperor Deqing.

As for the future, Zhao Junchen could not think that far ahead. He had to take things one step at a time and solve problems one by one.

Zhao Junchen's main goal was still Zhu Heyu.

As for Wen Guanliang, to be honest, Zhao Junchen did not take him seriously.

He was just a stepping stone.

...

"However, this falling out with Wen Guanliang is an opportunity to further test his tolerance towards me."

Zhao Junchen thought to himself and muttered softly.

"Master, what did you say?" Xu Qingyan did not hear clearly and, seeing Zhao Junchen lost in thought, was naturally curious.

At this moment, Zhao Junchen had already returned to his residence and was having a late-night snack with Xu Qingyan. He had been distracted halfway through the meal.

"It's nothing, just thinking about some trivial matters."

Zhao Junchen said with a casual smile.

There were some things he did not plan to tell Xu Qingyan. Although he was confident in Xu Qingyan's loyalty, he did not want Xu Qingyan to lose his composure.

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen looked at the delicious dishes on the table and lost his appetite.

At this moment, a servant from the Zhao residence hurried over and reported, "Master, Attendant of the Ministry of Revenue Zhan Shanchang and the Chief of the Board of Communications Tong Huan are here to see you."

Zhao Junchen looked at the sky outside the window and smiled, "They came quite quickly. Yes, lead them to the study to see me."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen put down his chopsticks and walked towards the study.

Xu Qingyan, seeing that Zhao Junchen had barely eaten, frowned, "Master, aren't you going to eat a little more?"

Zhao Junchen smiled, "You continue eating, don't worry about me, I'm already full."

Whether he was full or not, Zhao Junchen did not really feel it.

However, the scheming and intrigue in the capital after his return had indeed reduced his appetite.

...

After Zhao Junchen arrived at the study, it did not take long for Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan to arrive together.

It was clear that after receiving the news of the resolution of the autumn examination fraud case, Zhan Shanchang was in a good mood, his face full of relief and smiles.

Upon seeing Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang, despite Zhao Junchen's attempts to stop him, knelt and said, "Thank you, Lord Zhao, for saving my life. I will repay your kindness with my life."

Tong Huan, as Zhan Shanchang's brother-in-law, also bowed.

Zhao Junchen smiled, "Get up, sit down and talk. Since you are following me, I will not let you suffer. There's no need for such gratitude."

After Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan sat down, Zhao Junchen's expression became more serious, and he said slowly, "I called you here late at night because there is something I need to tell you. The autumn examination fraud case seems to be resolved, but it's not over yet."

Hearing this, Zhan Shanchang was startled and asked, "Hasn't His Majesty already announced the case closed? Is there anyone who dares to defy His Majesty's edict?"

Zhao Junchen sighed first, then recounted to the two of them what had happened before and after his meeting with Wen Guanliang in the evening.

Hearing that Wen Guanliang still intended to deal with him, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan both showed signs of resentment. Disappointed in Wen Guanliang, they were even more devoted to Zhao Junchen after learning that he had rejected Wen Guanliang's suggestions.

"This Wen Guanliang actually dared to threaten you, it's truly despicable!"

Zhan Shanchang said through gritted teeth.

On the other side, Tong Huan was more composed and frowned, "However, although we are not afraid of him, Wen Guanliang's narrow-mindedness means that now that we have fallen out, he will certainly seek revenge. We need to be cautious."

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, then said slowly, "You are right, Lord Tong. That's what I think too. I called you two here because you were once his disciples and are very familiar with his network. I want to ask you, who in the court is loyal to Wen Guanliang? Who can be bought? We need to know our enemy to make a plan."

Zhan Shanchang sneered, "Wen Guanliang's actions before and after the autumn examination fraud case have deeply hurt people's hearts. His urgency in dealing with me and Lord Tong suggests internal instability, trying to set an example. In the past, there might have been a few who were foolishly loyal to him, but after this incident, I don't believe anyone will remain loyal. Otherwise, if they end up like me, they won't have my luck of receiving your support, Lord Zhao."

On the other side, Tong Huan said, "Wen Guanliang is the greediest among the cabinet members. His disciples are mostly like him. Over the years, they have benefited greatly from following him. Although they are somewhat disheartened by the incident with Lord Zhan, it won't be easy to make them completely abandon Wen Guanliang."

At this point, as former disciples of Wen Guanliang, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan both showed a hint of embarrassment, clearly indicating that they were also greedy.

However, hearing what Tong Huan said, Zhao Junchen felt more reassured.

Zhao Junchen liked greedy people. Greedy people might be short-sighted, but they were absolutely the best at weighing their interests.

Zhan Shanchang then continued, "Speaking of Wen Guanliang's disciples in the court, although there are many, the key figures in the central government with real power are mainly the Minister of Works Zuo Lanshan, the Left Censor of the Ministry of Justice Li Lide, the Right Censor of the Ministry of Works Chen Dongxiang, and the Deputy Chief of the Censorate Gu Quan. In addition, some high-ranking officials in the provinces are also closely associated with Wen Guanliang."

Tong Huan added, "Especially the Minister of Works Zuo Lanshan and the Right Censor of the Ministry of Works Chen Dongxiang, who are the most favored by Wen Guanliang. They control the Office of Construction and the Office of Waterways, which are lucrative departments. In recent years, half of Wen Guanliang's ill-gotten gains have come from these departments. Additionally, the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office also has many of Wen Guanliang's people, who have been giving him increasingly generous tributes."

After listening to their explanations, Zhao Junchen subconsciously pursed his lips.

In a way, Wen Guanliang's influence in the court was quite peculiar.

If his influence was not significant, then why were the most lucrative departments under his control? If his power was great, then the departments he controlled were only useful for making money and nothing else.

After a moment of thought, Zhao Junchen said, "In the next few days, you two need to work hard. Among Wen Guanliang's disciples, regardless of their rank or power, first select those who can be easily bought and contact them. Tell them that I will meet them at Tianhai Tower in three days and offer them some benefits."

Hearing this, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan exchanged glances. Although they could not guess Zhao Junchen's intentions, they nodded in agreement.

After that, Zhao Junchen discussed the next steps with Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan. Seeing that it was late, he let them leave.

It is worth noting that before leaving, Zhan Shanchang left a silver ticket worth 300,000 taels, which was the money Wen Guanliang had obtained from the autumn examination fraud case. However, Wen Guanliang later felt the money was too hot to handle and wanted to shift the blame, so he returned it to Zhan Shanchang.

Zhan Shanchang had wanted to offer this money to Zhao Junchen a few days ago, but Zhao Junchen had refused.

However, this time, Zhan Shanchang was prepared and had the silver ticket with him. With his insistence, Zhao Junchen reluctantly accepted it.

It was not that Zhao Junchen was greedy, but only by accepting the money could Zhan Shanchang truly feel at ease with Zhao Junchen.

After Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan left, Zhao Junchen looked at the thick stack of silver tickets and thought about how Xu Qingyan would react when he saw the money, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Corrupt officials, greedy officials... I can never understand the term 'insatiable greed.' If 100,000 taels were enough to live comfortably for life, why risk everything and compromise one's conscience to repeatedly embezzle these things that cannot be taken to the grave? Is corruption really that addictive?"

Holding the thick stack of silver tickets and tapping them lightly on the table, Zhao Junchen muttered to himself.

...

The breakdown of negotiations between Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang could not be kept secret for long. By the next day, almost everyone in the court knew that Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang would soon face a fierce confrontation.

According to the Crown Prince's faction, this was a case of "dog biting dog."

However, both Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang were either accumulating strength or waiting for the right moment, and neither made the first move.

Perhaps it was the calm before the storm. In the following three days, the court was unusually peaceful, and the officials were just waiting to see the spectacle.

The only noteworthy point was that the Crown Prince's faction was very dissatisfied with Emperor Deqing's decision to close the autumn examination fraud case early. They had petitioned Emperor Deqing multiple times to continue the investigation, but Emperor Deqing was resolute, and the Crown Prince's faction, though dissatisfied, had no further options.

However, what Zhao Junchen found somewhat concerning was that in the past few days, Chief Minister Zhou Shangjing seemed to be particularly interested in him. During the early court sessions, Zhao Junchen felt that Zhou Shangjing often looked at him with a meaningful gaze.

...

However, while the court was unusually calm, a significant event occurred in the civilian world.

It was not a major event, but it had a profound impact on many people.

After more than half a month of preparation, Zhao Junchen's "Yuerongfang" officially opened in the capital.

"Yuerongfang" sold some unusual items, such as a soap substitute called "yanzi." The cheapest yanzi was priced similarly to soap, while the more upscale "fragrant yanzi" cost between three to five taels of silver, and the most expensive "medicinal yanzi" cost eight taels of silver each!

In addition to yanzi, "Yuerongfang" also sold perfumes, which were rare and expensive, costing between two to five taels of silver per bottle.

Furthermore, there was a product called "beauty water," which, according to "Yuerongfang's" advertising, could beautify the skin with long-term use. It was also expensive, costing one tael of silver per bottle. However, few people knew that "beauty water" was just a mixture of aloe vera, cucumber juice, and a few seasonings, produced because Zhao Junchen felt that "Yuerongfang" had too few products.

At first, perhaps due to the unusual nature of "Yuerongfang's" products, the shop was deserted.

However, on the second day of its opening, at Zhao Junchen's personal instruction, "Yuerongfang" gave some fragrant yanzi to the most famous brothels in the capital.

Then, things got out of hand.