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It's an interesting phenomenon.

At the beginning, it was Zhu Heyu who took the initiative to seek an alliance with Zhao Junchen and tried his best to win Zhao Junchen's trust.

But at this time, it suddenly became Zhao Junchen's efforts to win Zhu Heyu's trust.

After all, under the current situation, once the two of them implement Zhao Shancai's plan, the initiative will fall into the hands of Zhao Junchen, and the future fate of Zhu and Yu will depend on Zhao Junchen's thoughts.

Zhu Heyu knows very well that Zhao Junchen is a pure politician, and it is not an exaggeration to say that he forgets his righteousness for the sake of profit! Therefore, Zhu Heyu sought an alliance with Zhao Junchen was only an expedient measure, but he didn't dare to believe that Zhao Junchen would wholeheartedly assist him in the future, let alone pin all his hopes for a comeback on Zhao Junchen.

At this time, Zhao Junchen said that Zhu Heyu's worries were superfluous, and he would not betray Zhu Heyu in the future.

However, Zhu Heyu accepted Zhao Junchen's attitude towards the school examination as a matter of course, and did not have any intention of resisting, and after hearing Zhao Junchen's rhetorical question, he also fell into contemplation again.

It's just that after pondering for a long time, Zhu Heyu still couldn't find the answer.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Junchen shook his head slightly, and reminded softly: "I understand His Royal Highness the Prince's thoughts very well, there are too many past contradictions between you and me, it can be said that they are on the same page, and now even if they are forced to form an alliance together, they must secretly guard against one or two, Zhao Shancai's plan seems to be feasible, but after all, the risk is too great, so His Royal Highness the Prince, you will worry about my betrayal, it is also human nature!"

However, when you think about the problem, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, you can't be too, let alone just consider your own situation, as the so-called 'knowing yourself and knowing your opponent will win all battles', you should now stand in my position and imagine the situation, and then you will find that many of your concerns are just groundless. ”

After being reminded, Zhu Heyu's expression moved slightly, as if he had thought of something, and Chi asked, "Could it be that you say...... Zhao Gechen, do you really hope that I will be supported by hundreds of officials and have a stable position? Because that's what you'd most like to see? ”

Zhao Junchen stroked his palm and said: "The son can be taught!" Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, of course, you have your immediate worries, but I also have my long-term concerns! That is the jealousy of His Majesty! Your Majesty, why should he be jealous of me? It's because I'm too powerful, but I'm too young! Therefore, Your Majesty, out of long-term considerations, will inevitably be worried, thinking that after the new emperor ascends the throne, I will be powerful and uncontrollable!

That is to say, the less prestige the crown prince of the imperial court is, the more jealous Your Majesty is of me, only when the prestige of the crown prince is high, his position is stable, and he has the sincere support of hundreds of officials, Your Majesty can reduce his concerns about me a little, and my situation can be slightly improved!

So, of course, I will do my best to support you and assist you! Your Royal Highness the Prince, you also know the character of the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian, his temperament is too tolerant and soft, and he has never been ruthless and resolute, and you understand this, so you are unwilling to let the Seventh Prince inherit the throne......"

Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen paused slightly, took the opportunity to observe Zhu Heyu's reaction, and saw that Zhu Heyu seemed to agree with this statement, and said: "Therefore, once the Seventh Prince becomes the new prince, Your Majesty will do whatever it takes to eliminate hidden dangers before the new emperor ascends the throne, and I will become Your Majesty's confidant and primary target...... At that time, I will definitely end up in a bad end, and my life will be in jeopardy! To be honest, whenever I think about such a situation, I toss and turn and can't sleep at night!

But if Zhao Shancai's plan can be successfully realized, the situation will be completely different, His Royal Highness the Prince, your heart is completely different from that of the Seventh Prince, there has always been no lack of vigorous and resolute courage, and the reputation of the government and the opposition is also excellent, and I will not tolerate my arbitrary behavior, and after you get the sincere support of the hundred officials, you can smoothly control the court when you succeed to the throne, and you don't have to worry that I will lose control, and then I can save the life of my whole family......

In short, I don't have many options at the moment, and Zhao Shancai's plan is also my best way out, if I betray you, I won't end well...... Perhaps, my thoughts were also calculated by Zhao Shancai! …… Therefore, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, your worries are all unnecessary, even if you don't believe my promise, you should understand that I am a smart person who seeks advantages and avoids disadvantages! ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Zhu Heyu couldn't help but ponder for a long time, his expression gradually softened, and the suspicion in his heart was reduced by half.

It is always difficult for adults to convince each other - if someone is convinced, it just means that this new point of view is more in line with his mental logic and interests.

Now this is the case, after Zhao Junchen's eloquent talk, Zhu Heyu finally trusts Zhao Junchen, and has a little more confidence in Zhao Shancai's plan.

Because, Zhu and Yu thought about it and found that this plan was indeed the best way out for themselves and Zhao Junchen, and their interests in this regard were indeed completely identical.

So, Zhu Heyu apologized to Zhao Junchen and said with a sincere expression: "I see! I hope Zhao Gechen doesn't blame me for the suspicion just now, it's really too risky and too unbelievable, which makes me feel quite uneasy! However, if Zhao Gechen fully assisted me, such a plan to put himself to death and survive may not be able to succeed!

I also understand Zhao Gechen's worries and concerns, and I hope that Zhao Gechen can rest assured that if I can successfully inherit the unification in the future, Zhao Gechen will definitely be the pillar of the country, and I will never do anything like a rabbit dying a dog! ”

Zhu Heyu's statement is equivalent to that he has believed in Zhao Junchen and agreed with Zhao Shancai's plan, and the two can be regarded as a formal alliance at this moment.

A hint of complexity flashed in Zhao Junchen's eyes, but on the surface, he was sincere, and nodded: "Your Royal Highness the Prince, you said that I just mixed up private goods and avoided the important and trivial, but I can't be wrong, I really want to take the opportunity to fight for some benefits for myself, after all, I still have to take into account the interests of my friends and win their support, but I will never harm the interests of His Royal Highness the Prince......

For example, if we want to promote the increase of hundreds of officials, we must strive for the most support and try to avoid the obstacles of the ancestral system, if it hits the south wall directly, I am afraid that I will not even be able to protect myself, and how can I assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in the future?

Also, I haven't talked about how the new prince should step down, because this matter will involve a lot of despicable means that are not on the table, judging from the current situation, the new prince is the Seventh Prince, and His Royal Highness the Prince, you and His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince have always had a deep relationship, my plan will not only stain the ears of His Royal Highness the Prince, but also make His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hesitate, but not beautiful!

Still, with that said, I still need to reconfirm...... Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, in order to make a comeback and ascend the throne smoothly, but you are determined to target His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince by any means? ”

Zhu Heyu was silent for a moment again, and then nodded: "My attitude will not change, it is definitely not a good choice for the seventh brother to inherit the unification, and he can do big things without restraint, as long as it can prevent the seventh brother from ascending the throne, I can accept any means...... Of course, the life of the seventh brother must not be endangered...... After I inherit the unification, I will naturally try to compensate the seventh brother! ”

Hearing Zhu Heyu's answer, the smile on Zhao Junchen's face became a little thicker, and he nodded: "Since this is the case, then we can communicate with each other and continue to talk deeply!" ”

*

Next, Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu had a secret conversation in the study for a long time.

During the secret talks, it was mainly Zhao Junchen who was guiding Zhu Heyu.

Now, Zhu Heyu has taken over the task of investigating the political chaos of the feudal kings in various places, this matter can be said to affect the whole body, the slightest carelessness will lead to fire, the whole chaos, the priority of the time to do things is very particular, must ask Zhao Junchen to help Zhu Heyu staff a little.

At the same time, Zhu Heyu's choice of future path, how to resolve the hostility of hundreds of officials, how to maintain hope and build momentum, and the future light and dark cooperation between the two sides were also covered in this conversation.

During the conversation, Zhao Junchen's guidance seemed to be very patient, and he looked like he was wholeheartedly thinking about Zhu Heyu, and Zhu Heyu also looked like he was humbly following his advice, and seemed to accept Zhao Junchen's statement. Qiankun Audiobook.com

By the time this conversation ended and Zhu Heyu said goodbye and left Zhao's mansion, it was already evening.

Zhao Junchen personally sent Zhu Heyu out of the study, watching Zhu Heyu's back gradually move away, but suddenly sighed, and his expression became a little gloomy.

In fact, Zhao Junchen still admires the former prince Zhu Heyu more, pure, straightforward, adhere to the bottom line, black and white, if Zhu Heyu's character has not changed, Zhao Junchen is also willing to put his heart into his heart, but it is a pity that the prince Zhu Heyu is completely impossible to form an alliance with Zhao Junchen.

Now, Zhu and Yu are mature and complex, and have completely accepted the gray area between black and white, just like Zhao Junchen, who is not complete in good or pure, and Zhao Junchen's feelings about him have changed, and the two have begun to cooperate and reach an alliance, but it is impossible to put their hearts in their hearts anyway.

Today's conversation between the two seems to be frank with each other, but Zhao Junchen still hides his little Jiujiu, and I believe that Zhu Heyu is by no means unreserved, after all, the cooperation and alliance between the two is only forced by the situation in the final analysis.

"I hope you are truly allied with me, and you will keep your promises, and I will also show you some affection, but if you completely become another Deqing Emperor, then don't blame me for being ruthless...... In this game, you are not the only one who has the qualifications to kill the donkey...... Well, if that were the case, I wouldn't feel guilty......"

Whispering to himself, Zhao Junchen turned around and returned to the study, and summoned several important staff members of the Zhao Mansion.

After reaching an alliance with Zhu and Yu, Zhao Junchen had no intention of changing his existing plans, but many of the plans had to be revised somewhat.

On the other side, after Zhu Heyu left the Zhao Mansion, he couldn't help but turn his head to look at the gate of the Zhao Mansion, and his expression was also cloudy.

Judging from today's conversation, Zhao Junchen's illness is really all out of disguise, I thought that his physical condition was not good, and he would soon retire from the court, so he planned to use his strength, but now it seems that his plot is very great and must be guarded against! I'm afraid this game will continue for a long time...... But in any case, as long as I can successfully ascend to the throne, I will definitely be the final winner! I only hope that you can keep to yourself in the future and restrain your actions and ambitions, otherwise you will ......"

While thinking in secret, Zhu Heyu's expression quickly regained his calmness, entered his sedan chair, and returned in the direction of the East Palace.

*

Not to mention Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu's respective gains in this conversation, but it is said that Zhu Heyu visited Zhao Junchen twice in a row this day, and the two sides talked secretly for a long time, and it quickly spread to the ears of the major forces in the temple, and everyone understood what this matter meant, and their reactions were different!

At three o'clock in the evening of this day, in the Forbidden City, Emperor Deqing still stayed in the imperial study.

At such a time in the past, Emperor Deqing had already returned to the harem to rest, but today Emperor Deqing has been staying in the imperial study, and his expression is quite gloomy.

Because Hong Jin and Zhu Heyu visited Zhao Junchen at the same time, when Hong Jin returned to the palace to report to Emperor Deqing, Emperor Deqing also learned about Zhu Heyu's visit to Zhao Junchen for the first time.

Then, Emperor Deqing immediately ordered people to keep a close eye on the movements of Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu, and also stayed in the imperial study to wait for news.

While waiting for the news, Emperor Deqing also ordered someone to transfer the files and intelligence of Shaanxi and Gansu again, and carefully reviewed them.

After Emperor Deqing had read most of the files and information on the imperial case, a eunuch quietly entered the imperial study.

This eunuch's name is Sun He, who is the palm print of Dongchang, and he knelt in front of Emperor Deqing and reported: "Your Majesty, I just received information that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has left the Zhao Mansion!" ”

Emperor Deqing was silent for a moment and asked, "What time is it?" ”

Sun He replied: "Back to Your Majesty, it is now three quarters of the unitary hour. ”

Emperor Deqing nodded lightly and muttered, "In other words, the crown prince visited Zhao Junchen for the second time, and the two talked for nearly two hours...... Ha, even the best friends who know everything about it rarely talk for such a long time, right? Do you know what they talked about? ”

Emperor Deqing's tone was calm, but the eunuch of Dongchang couldn't help but tremble in his heart, only felt panicked, and hurriedly replied: "The conversation between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Zhao Junchen is in a study room deep in the Zhao Mansion, and we have not yet received the exact news of the content of the conversation...... However, according to the information from the East Palace, when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince visited the Zhao Mansion for the second time today, he returned to the study of the East Palace and took a secret letter, which should be a suicide note left by Zhao Shancai to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince before his death. ”

Hearing such an answer, Emperor Deqing's expression became more gloomy.

"Zhao Shancai, Zhao Shancai, remember that he is a distant relative of Zhao Junchen, and has always hoped that Zhao Junchen and the prince can work together, and now it seems that it has also come true...... However, I am determined to set up another crown prince, and it is also because of his encouragement, this person's practices are contradictory, and they have a deep impact on the prince, I am afraid that it is ill-intentioned, and I must ......guard against it."

Whispering to himself, Emperor Deqing slowly closed his eyes, and his expression was a little painful and helpless.

"The third, the third, let me tell you what is good! When I thought that Zhao Junchen was still useful and wanted you to ease relations with Zhao Junchen, you had always been stubborn and on the same page with Zhao Junchen, but now that I am planning to give up Zhao Junchen, you have formed an alliance with Zhao Junchen...... Do you have to make it difficult for me? Don't you know that after you form an alliance with Zhao Junchen, it will only make me suppress you more and more? ”

Just as Zhao Junchen speculated, Emperor Deqing still had some father-son friendship with the crown prince Zhu Heyu, and he repeatedly suppressed Zhu Heyu on trumped-up charges during this time, and he already felt a little ashamed in his heart.

But soon, Emperor Deqing had reverted to his coldness, and his eyes turned to the Shaanxi and Gansu dossiers on the imperial case again.

"The Hetao War is now at its most intense, I originally planned to wait until the war is over to deal with the forces that Zhao Junchen has built on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu, but now that Zhao Junchen and the crown prince have reached an alliance, the pattern of the court has changed, in order to prevent accidents, I must take action in advance......"

*

And at the same time that Emperor Deqing received the news, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian also received the news.

When he received the news, Zhu Hejian was receiving a secret guest with a valuable identity in the mansion.

This guest is none other than Shen Changmao, the current cabinet minister!

On this day, the pattern of the temple changed, not only Zhao Junchen and the crown prince Zhu and Yu formed an alliance!

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