Chapter 69

"Is this an attempt to drive a wedge between me and Emperor Deqing?"

Thinking about Zhou Shangjing's actions, Zhao Junchen frowned slightly and thought to himself.

Zhou Shangjing had already shown signs of this before, when Zhao Junchen had just returned to the capital. At that time, Zhou Shangjing had used the lure of "entering the cabinet" to try to get Zhao Junchen to join him in preventing Emperor Deqing from touring the south.

But back then, Zhou Shangjing was trying to stop Emperor Deqing from touring the south. Now that the southern tour is already decided, what is the purpose of his current actions?

Could it be that he still wants to form an alliance with Zhao Junchen?

For Zhao Junchen, this is simply impossible.

Zhao Junchen is not sure how much tolerance Emperor Deqing has for him, but he is very clear that being on good terms and having a close relationship with Zhou Shangjing is definitely beyond Emperor Deqing's tolerance. The actions during the morning court session have already made Zhao Junchen understand Emperor Deqing's expectations for him. What Zhao Junchen needs to do now is to follow Emperor Deqing's expectations, demonstrate his value, and take the opportunity to achieve his various goals!

If he goes against Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen is not like Zhou Shangjing, who has students and followers all over the country and deep-rooted power and influence. Even if Emperor Deqing wants to deal with Zhou Shangjing, he can only first balance the situation and then act slowly. Now, Zhao Junchen's foundation is still shallow, and he mainly relies on Emperor Deqing's support. If he goes against Emperor Deqing, the outcome will be unimaginable. Therefore, at least in the short term, no matter what Zhao Junchen thinks of Emperor Deqing, he can only comply with everything.

"Zhou Shangjing should also be able to think of this, so what is his purpose in doing this?" Zhao Junchen frowned and muttered to himself, "However, no matter what, it is imperative to repair relations with the inner court eunuchs."

Indeed, at this moment, Zhao Junchen thought about repairing relations with the inner court eunuchs.

Because, although Zhao Junchen is not worried about being affected by Zhou Shangjing's attempts to drive a wedge between him and Emperor Deqing, he is very worried that Emperor Deqing will be affected! Therefore, it is imperative to repair relations with the inner court eunuchs.

Of course, Zhao Junchen will not go too far. As long as the inner court eunuchs no longer view him as an enemy, can occasionally provide him with some information, and even speak well of him to Emperor Deqing at certain times, Zhao Junchen will be very satisfied.

Zhao Junchen had wanted to befriend the head eunuch of the inner court's writing hall, Liu Qing, and had expressed his intention to Liu Qing through Emperor Deqing's attendant eunuch, Zhang De. However, perhaps because the outcome of the bet between Zhao Junchen and the Crown Prince Zhu Heyu was still uncertain, Zhao Junchen had not received a response.

However, now that everything is settled, it is expected that Liu Qing will soon have news.

……

In the evening, Zhao Junchen came to Tianhai Tower again. This restaurant is of high quality and is very close to Zhao's residence, and the dishes suit Zhao Junchen's taste, so he always arranges various banquets here.

When Zhao Junchen appeared, all the officials who came to Tianhai Tower to attend the banquet welcomed him.

There were many guests, including officials who had already joined Zhao Junchen, such as the Minister of Works, Zuo Lanshan, the Chief Censor, Tong Huan, the new Deputy Minister of Revenue, Zhan Shanchang, the Deputy Minister of Justice, Li Lide, the Deputy Minister of Works, Chen Dongxiang, the Deputy Chief Censor of the Censorate, Gu Quan, and some officials from the Ministry of Revenue, Works, and Rites. They are Zhao Junchen's main followers and supporters.

However, more guests were officials who, seeing Zhao Junchen's rise, were interested in joining or aligning with him. Compared to the former, they held lower positions but were more numerous.

This banquet, ostensibly to celebrate his promotion, was actually to strengthen ties with those who had recently joined, such as Zuo Lanshan and Gu Quan, and to see which officials in the court wanted to join him, and to select from among them.

Amidst the greetings of "Congratulations on your promotion, Lord Zhao" and "Greetings, Minister," Zhao Junchen, as usual, was courteous and amiable. Under the escort of the officials, he came to the second floor of Tianhai Tower and, after some polite exchanges, took their seats.

There were six tables, and after the officials were seated, all the seats were filled, showing Zhao Junchen's current status and influence.

However, after sitting down, Zhao Junchen did not speak or announce the start of the banquet. Instead, he scanned the officials, as if looking for someone. Seeing Zhao Junchen's behavior, the officials, though puzzled, did not speak rashly and waited quietly.

After a moment, Zhao Junchen finally found his target at the most remote table, which was the Deputy Minister of Revenue, Jiang Qian.

"Jiang Qian, why are you sitting there? Come here and sit with me. I can also introduce you to a few other officials."

Zhao Junchen beckoned to Jiang Qian.

Upon hearing Zhao Junchen's words, all the officials focused their attention on Jiang Qian, some envious, some jealous, some curious. Zhao Junchen's statement clearly showed that he not only regarded Jiang Qian as a confidant but also intended to elevate him.

Jiang Qian, upon hearing Zhao Junchen's words, showed a look of surprise and excitement. After all, the officials sitting with Zhao Junchen were all high-ranking officials with real power, and they were the ones Zhao Junchen wanted to win over. Zhao Junchen's invitation to sit with them clearly showed his high regard for Jiang Qian.

Although he was somewhat worried about arousing jealousy, Jiang Qian did not dare to refuse. He quickly came to Zhao Junchen's table and bowed, saying, "This official, Jiang Qian, Deputy Minister of Revenue, greets Minister Zhao and all the other officials."

Jiang Qian's demeanor was humble and proper. Seeing Zhao Junchen's favor towards him, the other officials also showed courtesy, nodding in acknowledgment.

With a wave of Zhao Junchen's hand, Jiang Qian carefully took his seat.

After Jiang Qian was seated, Zhao Junchen smiled at Zuo Lanshan, Zhan Shanchang, and others, saying, "Although Jiang Qian is young and only a Deputy Minister of Revenue, he has always been efficient and talented. I have relied on him a lot during my time in the Ministry of Revenue. He has a bright future ahead, and I hope all of you will take good care of him in the future."

Although Zhao Junchen was speaking to those around him, his voice was loud enough for the other officials to hear clearly.

This action was Zhao Junchen's way of showing his attitude—those who join him and work diligently and loyally will not be treated poorly by him.

The officials present could understand Zhao Junchen's meaning, some feeling reassured, others feeling eager.

However, perhaps Zhao Junchen's statement had stimulated some people's nerves. Before Zhao Junchen could stand up to speak and announce the start of the banquet, an official whom Zhao Junchen did not recognize suddenly stood up, raised his cup, and said to Zhao Junchen, "Lord Zhao is indeed magnanimous and values talent. I admire you greatly. I congratulate you on your promotion to Minister of Revenue today."

Although this person's voice was loud, there were few responses, and many officials frowned in dissatisfaction.

There are rules in the official world and rules in the banquet world. Before Zhao Junchen announced the start of the banquet, this person's actions, although intended to flatter Zhao Junchen, were clearly against the rules, both in the official world and the banquet world.

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ps: Second update of the day, three more to come!

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