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In the evening of this day, in the prince's east palace.

The crown prince Zhu and Yu were wearing Zhu **** robes, and sat expressionlessly in the main hall of the East Palace, as if they were waiting for something.

After receiving the news of the victory in Weishui, the crown prince Zhu Heyu's heart was full of shock, and he dared to believe it after repeatedly confirming that the news was true - he didn't expect Zhao Junchen to make such an amazing feat!

So, Zhu Heyu began to seriously think about a question - how should he view Zhao Junchen in the future?

After all kinds of changes during this period of time, Zhu Heyu's heart has matured a lot after all, and he has also witnessed Zhao Junchen's various political achievements in recent years - improving finances, developing Sichuan salt, rectifying commercial taxes, cracking down on smuggling, rectifying agricultural affairs, preventing the private begging of the governors of the northwest, plus the total annihilation of 100,000 soldiers and horses of the Mongolian coalition army in one fell swoop!

These political achievements, one by one, are extremely dazzling, as long as ordinary officials can do one thing, it is enough to boast for a lifetime, and they boast of being virtuous and virtuous! Like those Qingliu Confucians who surround Zhu Heyu all day long, I'm afraid they can't do any of them.

But Zhao Junchen has done all these things in just over a year, such as improving finances, cracking down on smuggling, and other things have already achieved remarkable results, such as the development of Sichuan salt, the rectification of commercial taxes, and the rectification of agricultural affairs.

Therefore, if Zhao Junchen is not a good official, it is obviously not objective, his vision, courage, responsibility, etc. are among the best among the hundred officials, and his contribution to the court and the people is even more rare!

Perhaps, if the imperial court gives Zhao Junchen more time and more authority, Zhao Junchen can do more and do better, and the court and the people will also get more benefits!

However, although Zhao Junchen is highly meritorious, can he be called a good official? I'm afraid I can't either!

How many corrupt officials and corrupt officials are there in the "Zhao Party"? How many people have disappeared because of the secret operation of the "Zhao Party"? How many inferior gentry and tyrants of the common people are doing evil under the protection of Zhao Junchen?

Therefore, is it because Zhao Junchen's political achievements are very high and his ability is very strong, so he should be allowed to bend the law for bribes, form a party for privacy, protect his friends, and violate the law and discipline?

Black is not black, white is not white, good and evil are mixed together, right and wrong are confused, and right and wrong have become unrealistic false concepts, maybe this is the truth of this world.

Therefore, people in the world no longer insist on the distinction between good and evil, right and wrong, so people like Zhu Heyu who insist on black and white and the distinction between right and wrong should be difficult to do.

Thinking of when Zhao Shancai was still alive, he repeatedly wanted to urge the crown prince Zhu Heyu to reconcile and cooperate with Zhao Junchen, and Zhu Heyu's mood was extremely complicated!

Perhaps, Zhao Shancai had already foreseen Zhao Junchen's current exploits? If Zhu Heyu had not been stubborn at the beginning and chose to reconcile and cooperate with Zhao Junchen, maybe he would no longer be at such an end of his rope now? But if this is the case, what is the difference between Zhu Heyu and those corrupt officials in the "Zhao Party"?

With such complicated thoughts, Zhu Heyu also hurriedly changed into the prince's clothes on formal occasions and waited for the summons of Emperor Deqing.

After the crown prince Zhu and Yu thought that after the center of the capital received such important news, the imperial court had to discuss Zhao Junchen's reward, send troops to recover the Hetao and other matters, so Emperor Deqing would definitely summon him to the imperial study to discuss together.

At the beginning, Zhu Heyu was still thinking about how he should express his position when he met Emperor Deqing, and what kind of position he should uphold in order to be beneficial to the people of the court......

However, until it was getting late, Zhu Heyu still did not wait for the call of Emperor Deqing.

Emperor Deqing seems to have forgotten the existence of Zhu Heyu, or thinks that such an important matter does not need Zhu Heyu, the crown prince, to participate in the discussion.

As a result, Zhu Heyu's heart gradually sank into the abyss.

Emperor Deqing's deposition is known to all dynasties, Zhu Heyu is naturally well aware, and Zhu Heyu is also very clear that the ideal next prince in the heart of Emperor Deqing is the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, who has the closest relationship with him, Emperor Deqing has repeatedly summoned Zhu Hejian for questioning during this time, and has not allowed Zhu Hejian to leave Beijing for a reward...... These signs are extremely obvious.

But no matter what, Zhu Heyu has never been completely ignored by Emperor Deqing as he is now.

This made Zhu Heyu feel that his road to the prince seemed to have come to an end.

Such a discovery made Zhu Heyu very annoyed and anxious, but in addition to being annoyed and anxious, there was also a hint of relaxation.

Perhaps, then he doesn't need to worry about this black and white world anymore.

*

"His Royal Highness the Prince, there is news from the palace, Your Majesty and the elders of the pavilion have received the news of the great victory in Weishui, and now they have discussed and reached a conclusion in the imperial study, and decided to immediately send troops to support the Shaanxi and Gansu trilateral sides to take the opportunity to recover the Hetao region, and it is to appoint Zhao Junchen as the young master of the dynasty, the scholar of the East Pavilion, and the auxiliary government of Wenhua Pavilion, and also canonize Zhao Junchen as the new uncle of the world, with eight hundred foods."

An old eunuch walked into the main hall of the Prince's East Palace and slowly reported with an expressionless face.

This old eunuch's name is Zhou Zheng, who was originally a great eunuch from the celebrant eunuch, and was sent by Emperor Deqing to serve the crown prince Zhu Heyu a few days ago.

At that time, Emperor Deqing's dethronement had not yet been revealed, and Zhu Heyu was very happy after receiving the reward, thinking that this was a manifestation of Emperor Deqing's care for himself.

But soon, Emperor Deqing showed his intention to dethrone, and the old eunuch Zhou Zheng followed Zhu Heyu's side at any time, closely watching Zhu Heyu's every move and word, so Zhu Heyu also understood Emperor Deqing's true thoughts - Emperor Deqing was obviously worried that Zhu Heyu would make a desperate move after discovering his dethronement plan, so he arranged the old eunuch Zhou Zheng to Zhu Heyu's side to monitor.

At this time, after hearing the report of the old eunuch Zhou Zheng, and looking at the indifference on Zhou Zheng's face, Zhu Heyu laughed at himself, slowly got up and said: "In this case, I don't have to wait for my father to summon me in formal clothes anymore, change my clothes for me!" ”

Zhou Zheng was not rude, and immediately walked to Zhu Heyu's side and waited to change clothes.

But at this time, another little eunuch hurriedly entered the main hall of the East Palace and reported: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Qiqi, the Seventh Prince is here!" ”

Zhu Heyu was slightly stunned, raised his hand to stop Zhou Zheng from continuing to change his clothes, and nodded with a complicated expression: "Since this is the case, please invite the seventh brother to come to the main hall to see me." ”

Speaking of which, since Emperor Deqing revealed his intention to dethrone, Zhu Hejian still comes to the East Palace every three or two days to visit Zhu Hejian, and Zhu Heyu still cares about Zhu Hejian's body, and the relationship between the two brothers seems to have not changed at all.

In Zhu Heyu's view, Zhu Hejian did not intend to compete with him for the throne, everything was Emperor Deqing's intention, according to the news received by Zhu Heyu, Zhu Hejian had also taken risks to intercede with Emperor Deqing many times for Zhu Heyu, so Zhu Hejian was still a good brother in Zhu Heyu's heart.

It's just that during this period of time, Zhu Heyu still feels embarrassed and awkward after seeing Zhu Hejian.

And just when Zhu Heyu was in a complicated mood, Zhu Hejian had already come to the main hall of the East Palace.

In front of Zhu Heyu, Zhu Hejian always looks like he is polite and knowledgeable, just like he always looks filial piety, intelligent and harmless in front of Emperor Deqing. ”

Zhu Heyu hurriedly held Zhu Hejian's body, shook his head and sighed: "How many times have I told you, you and I are brothers of the same mother, you don't have to be so polite to each other, let's sit down and talk." ”

Zhu Hejian insisted and said: "Third brother, you are the prince and the prince, and the etiquette you should have is absolutely indispensable, if I am too casual in front of you, not only will I be considered that I don't understand the rules, but also the third brother will be despised by others." ”

If Zhu Heyu wants to keep the position of the crown prince, Zhu Hejian is his biggest enemy, but after hearing Zhu Hejian's words at this time, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but feel warm in his heart, and subconsciously turned his head to look at Zhou Zheng, the old eunuch who was always expressionless beside him, but said with a wry smile: "Now you are still willing to treat me as a prince." ”

Zhu Hejian's face was full of sincerity, and he said: "Third brother, you will always be the prince and future emperor in my heart, and I only recognize you as the seventh brother!" ”

As he spoke, he seemed to be a little emotional, and Zhu Hejian couldn't help coughing twice.

Zhu Heyu still shook his head with a wry smile, didn't say anything more, just sat down separately from Zhu Hejian.

After the two brothers sat down, the two eunuchs behind them also saluted the two princes.

Zhu Hejian's long-term eunuch Jia Lun was also respectful and polite when facing Zhu Heyu, and the old eunuch Zhou Zheng next to Zhu Heyu was always expressionless when facing Zhu Heyu, but now when he saw Zhu Hejian, he was smiling and faintly flattering.

Seeing the contrasting performance of the old eunuch Zhou Zheng, Zhu Heyu's brows jumped slightly.

Zhu Hejian didn't seem to be very happy to see this old eunuch Zhou Zheng, and after nodding lightly at him, he ordered: "You and Jia Lun stay away, I have secret things to talk about with the third brother." ”

After Zhou Zheng nodded in agreement, he turned around and left, but he didn't go far, just stood at the entrance of the main hall, and at this distance, he could still hear the conversation between Zhu Heyu and Zhu Hejian.

Seeing Zhou Zheng's situation, Zhu Hejian frowned and was about to open his mouth to reprimand, but Zhu Heyu raised his hand to stop him without waiting for Zhu Hejian to speak: "Seventh brother, it's not in the way, and we don't have to hide our conversation from him." ”

After Zhu Hejian looked at Zhou Zheng, he turned his head to the crown prince Zhu Heyu and said: "Third brother, I heard that Zhao Junchen annihilated the Mongolian army of 100,000 in the first battle of Weishui, and now my father has canonized him as a cabinet minister and an immortal new uncle!" …… As soon as I received the news, I rushed to you! Third brother, this is a great opportunity for you. ”

While speaking, Zhu Hejian couldn't help but cough lightly twice.

Zhu Heyu was puzzled: "Is it an opportunity for me?" What chances? ”

Zhu Hejian said: "Third brother, now it is rumored that your position as the crown prince is unstable, and my father is not satisfied with your various practices over the years, this situation must not continue, otherwise your position as the prince will be really unstable!" Now that Zhao Junchen has made great achievements, and he is about to return to Beijing to join the cabinet and assist the government, you can take the opportunity to show him a favor or two, as long as you and Zhao Junchen can take this opportunity to reach a reconciliation, you will have one more powerful minister in the temple to support, this is one of them; After seeing that you and Zhao Junchen have temporarily reconciled, Father and Emperor will also understand your change of heart better, and maybe you will change your mind, which is the second; When the time comes, with the support of Zhao Junchen and the care of his father, no one will dare to question your position as the prince! ”

Seeing Zhu Hejian's appearance of wholeheartedly thinking about himself, Zhu Heyu's mood was complicated and moved.

But for Zhu Hejian's proposal, Zhu Heyu is still a little hesitant, although he has now let go of his prejudices against Zhao Junchen, and he is no longer hostile, but it is difficult to make up his mind for him to choose to cooperate with Zhao Junchen, or even seek protection from Zhao Junchen.

For a while, Zhu Heyu was silent.

Seeing Zhu Heyu's reaction, a trace of surprise flashed in the depths of Zhu Hejian's eyes.

Zhu Hejian originally thought that Zhu Heyu would firmly oppose his proposal and would never consider cooperating with Zhao Junchen, but now Zhu Heyu is showing a contradictory appearance, obviously having the possibility of agreeing.

But Zhu Hejian quickly hid his surprise in his heart, and just urged in an excited tone: "Third brother, you must not hesitate any longer this time, even if you don't care about the position of the prince, don't you care if the brotherhood between the two of us is not?" If this continues, how will our brothers get along in the future? ”

While speaking, Zhu Hejian may have been too excited, but he coughed violently.

Zhu Hejian's fierce cough immediately frightened everyone in the main hall of the East Palace, not only the crown prince Zhu Heyu hurriedly ran to Zhu Hejian's body to investigate the situation, but the two eunuchs, Jia Lun and Zhou Zheng, also hurriedly brought tea and water to Zhu Hejian and stroked his back.

After finally getting Zhu Hejian to stop coughing, Zhu Heyu hurriedly asked with concern: "Seventh brother, hasn't your condition improved greatly?" Why is there a recurrence now? It's been a long time since I've seen such a violent cough in you! ”

Hearing Zhu Heyu's inquiry, this time it was Zhu Hejian's turn to be silent.

Seeing Zhu Hejian's abnormal reaction, Zhu Heyu only felt that there was something else hidden, and looked up at Zhu Hejian's long-term eunuch Jia Lun and asked, "What's going on?" Why did the seventh brother's illness recur? You make it clear! ”

After Jia Lun hesitated for a moment, he ignored Zhu Hejian's stop and replied: "Since the divine doctor in Zhao Junchen's mansion treated the Seventh Prince, the Seventh Prince's condition has been completely stabilized, but not long after the Seventh Prince's health improved, there were many rumors in the temple, saying that His Majesty had made up his mind to depose His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as your prince, and to appoint the Seventh Prince as the new prince...... After receiving such news, the Seventh Prince felt that all this was due to his improved health...... Therefore, he has not continued to take medicine for more than half a month, so his condition has recurred. ”

After hearing Jia Lun's answer, Zhu Heyu's expression was stunned for a moment, and he only felt extremely moved in his heart.

Because Emperor Deqing planned to set up Zhu Hejian as the new prince, Zhu Heyu originally had some resentment towards Zhu Hejian in his heart, this is not Zhu Heyu's small belly, but this matter involves his future destiny, and it is human nature that Zhu Heyu will have resentment in his heart.

But in this way, Zhu Heyu knew that Zhu Hejian not only had no idea of competing with him for the throne, nor did he just repeatedly take risks to speak for him in front of Emperor Deqing, but also sacrificed his body without telling everyone, all in order to preserve Zhu Heyu's position as the prince!

Suddenly, the resentment in Zhu Heyu's hearts disappeared, and for a while, he only felt that he had such a brother, even if he lost the position of the prince, it was worth it!

On the other side, Zhu Hejian turned his head and glared at Jia Lun, and said angrily: "Just talk too much about you!" See how I punish you when I go back! ”

After speaking, Zhu Hejian looked up at the crown prince Zhu Heyu, and said with a sincere expression: "Third brother, these days, because of this incident, our brothers have always been cautious when getting along, but now that we have reached this point, we have also opened up to speak!" Father, he is obviously dissatisfied with you, and he still wants me to inherit the throne of the prince! Third brother, I'm just afraid that this matter will ruin our brotherhood for many years, and I don't expect any prince position, I just want to keep the position for you during this time! ”

After a pause, Zhu Hejian said again: "So, third brother, you must make up your mind to make a change!" Showing favor to Zhao Junchen is a great opportunity for you to turn things around! Do you know that since my father hinted at the intention of changing the prince, how many officials of the former dynasty have secretly contacted me, just to get a copy of the merit of the dragon? If this situation continues, your prestige among the hundred officials will be lost, and even if your father doesn't mean it, you will have to change your reserves! ”

Zhu Heyu was slightly stunned, and subconsciously asked, "There are many officials secretly contacting you?" Who are they? ”

After asking, Zhu Heyu already regretted it in his heart, and felt that he shouldn't ask this question, which made Zhu Hejian feel embarrassed.

But Zhu Hejian had no intention of concealing it, and said: "At first, it was just some insignificant officials, and later even the first assistant Shen Changmao secretly contacted me!" However, I also took the opportunity to seek some benefits for you, and during this period of time, the 'Shen Dang' has repeatedly talked to the 'Tai. The sub-party's cooperation is because of my secret facilitation, because I think that if you have the help of Shen Changmao, the first assistant, the position of the prince can be more solid. ”

"These days 'Shen Dang' is not the same as 'too. The sub-party's cooperation is because of you? Zhu Heyu suddenly felt more and more surprised.

Zhu Heyu naturally also knew that during this period of time, "too. There have been many things of cooperation between the "sub-party" and the "Shen party", and I originally thought that it was just a coincidence that the two factions had the same position on these matters, but I didn't expect that these things were Zhu Hejian's secret contribution.

Zhu Hejian nodded, and said: "At that time, I thought that Zhao Junchen was your great enemy in the court, and I also told Shen Changmao some means against Zhao Junchen, but now that Zhao Junchen has made a great contribution, those means are no longer appropriate, third brother, you must also change your position, and choosing to cooperate with Zhao Junchen is your best way out at present!" ”

Next, Zhu Hejian persuaded Zhu Heyu for a long time, hoping that Zhu Heyu would seriously consider the matter of cooperating with Zhao Junchen.

In the end, Zhu Heyu finally nodded and said that he would seriously consider it.

After seeing that Zhu Heyu was finally no longer stubborn, Zhu Hejian also looked relieved, as if he thought that he had achieved his goal, and after some gossip with Zhu Heyu, he took his leave and left the prince's East Palace.

Zhu Heyu personally sent Zhu Hejian outside the gate of the East Palace, and repeatedly told Zhu Hejian to continue to take medicine and pay attention to his body.

In the end, seeing that Zhu Hejian was about to leave in a sedan chair, Zhu Heyu suddenly said: "Seventh brother, even if I finally lose the position of crown prince, and my father and emperor finally support you as the new prince, I will never complain to you!" Our brotherhood will never change! ”

Hearing Zhu Heyu's words, Zhu Hejian couldn't help but be slightly stunned, and a trace of indescribable complex emotions flashed in the depths of his eyes, but in the end he said with a solemn expression: "Third brother, don't think too much, the position of the crown prince must be yours, and no one can take it away!" ”

After speaking, Zhu Hejian sat in a sedan chair and left the East Palace, while the prince stood outside the East Palace for a long time, until Zhu Hejian's sedan chair was completely gone, and then he sighed and returned to the East Palace.

And the meeting of the two princes and the detailed conversation were all remembered by the old eunuch Zhou Zheng!

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The author's area is constantly convulsive, and the update is late.

Well, today's first update is still a 6,000-word chapter.

There is one shift around the morning.

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