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Yueke Restaurant, like its name everywhere, although the decoration is quite elegant, there are a few good dishes, but in the capital, it is not a outstanding or famous restaurant.

At least, unlike those big restaurants, there will be no frequent visits from both Korean and Chinese officials here, and no one will deliberately pay attention to it.

Therefore, after coming to the Yuekelai Restaurant, Chen Dongxiang did not look around cautiously after getting out of the car - in fact, looking around cautiously at this time would look suspicious - but walked directly into the Yuekelai Restaurant.

Seeing Chen Dongxiang's appearance, the restaurant guy hurriedly greeted him, but before he could say hello, Chen Dongxiang had already preemptively said in a deep voice: "I have an appointment with the guests in the private room." ”

After hearing Chen Dongxiang's words, the guy seemed to have been instructed in advance, and he didn't make a big announcement, but just stretched out his hand and led Chen Dongxiang towards the restaurant's private room.

After entering the single room of the restaurant, Chen Dongxiang looked up, but saw that the dishes for the banquet had been prepared, and Huo Zhengyuan, a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion who had asked him to come, was sitting on the table in casual clothes and looking at him with a smile.

After the man said hello, he immediately left the room and closed the door.

For a while, only Chen Dongxiang and Huo Zhengyuan were left in the room.

…………

"Xiaguan Chen Dongxiang, I have met Scholar Huo."

After there were no outsiders in the room, Chen Dongxiang bowed respectfully to Huo Zhengyuan and bowed his hand.

Although Huo Zhengyuan is a scholar and has the right to enter and leave the cabinet, he has no intention of putting on a show at this time, so he quickly got up and left the table, greeted him with a smile, and after reaching out to support Chen Dongxiang, he said with a kind smile: "Chen Shilang, you are finally here, I was worried just now that Chen Shilang is not respectful, but now that I see Chen Shilang appear, I am finally relieved." ”

"Where is Scholar Huo, you are a scholar, and you are willing to invite the lower officials to the banquet, how can the lower officials not know how to raise them?" Between words, Chen Dongxiang also rarely put on a smiling face, but Chen Dongxiang's temperament has always been gloomy, but at this time he suddenly changed his smiling face, but it really made people feel awkward.

However, seeing Chen Dongxiang so polite, Huo Zhengyuan showed a look of satisfaction in his eyes, and said with a smile: "I'm outside!" See you out! Let's not just stand politely and talk. ”

Then, Huo Zhengyuan first affectionately pulled Chen Dongxiang down to the table and sat down, and then said with a guilty face: "This banquet is a little shabby, and I hope Chen Shilang will not be surprised, originally I wanted to hold a banquet in Jufu Building to entertain Chen Shilang, but Chen Shilang, you also know that there are officials from the DPRK and China coming and going in Jufulou all day long, which is refreshing and inconvenient, and your and my identities are even more eye-catching, so I have to book a seat here to entertain Chen Shilang." However, although this restaurant is not as famous as Jufu Building, it is also a delicious dish, and the three single rooms of the sky, the earth, and the person can also be regarded as elegantly decorated, but the two single rooms of the day and the place are by the window and the street, which is also eye-catching, so I had to determine the location of the single room of the person. ”

Listening to Huo Zhengyuan's explanation, Chen Dongxiang didn't care, but said politely: "Scholar Huo is too polite, although you and I are just an ordinary gathering this time, the friendship between colleagues, but considering the current shape of the court, it is also appropriate to be low-key." ”

Hearing the words "ordinary gathering" in Chen Dongxiang's mouth, Huo Zhengyuan's eyes subconsciously narrowed slightly, he originally thought that Chen Dongxiang was willing to meet him this time, because he had already made up his mind to betray Zhao Junchen and join Huang Yourong, but now when he heard Chen Dongxiang's words, it didn't seem to be the case.

In fact, although Chen Dongxiang decided to meet Huo Zhengyuan, he did feel that his embarrassing position under Zhao Junchen was not a long-term solution, but with Chen Dongxiang's temperament, he naturally would not take Huang Yourong lightly, he also wanted to see what benefits Huang Yourong could give him, and Huang Yourong would be able to defeat Zhao Junchen in the court after he had his own help, and then he would make a choice.

Chen Dongxiang has always pursued "egoism", and he will naturally not do anything that is not beneficial, and the contact with Huo Zhengyuan at this time is just a temptation.

Huo Zhengyuan, as the elder Huang Yourong's wisdom and courage, had already guessed Chen Dongxiang's mind in a hurry, but his expression remained unchanged, he just shook his head and sighed: "Yes, be careful and low-key, it's always good, since Your Majesty rebuilt the West Factory, the power of the factory guards in the DPRK and China has been eye-catching, and I and other officials in the DPRK and China are also frightened, you and I are now embarrassed, this time I met with Chen Shilang, in order to transfer the eyes and ears of the factory guard, I have put a lot of effort into it, and it is really impressive to think about it." ”

Speaking of this, Huo Zhengyuan changed his words and said: "However, the momentum of the factory guard cannot last, and the factory guard has always been the power of the inner court, and the eunuchs who have used the power of the factory guard to interfere in politics in the past dynasties are often abandoned by the emperor after three or five years, not to mention the power of the factory guard as a foreign minister?" I'm afraid that it will only be abandoned by the emperor faster. Nowadays, some people use the power of the factory guard to make waves in the court, as if they are very proud, and they don't even put the cabinet elders in their eyes, but they are short-sighted, and the cabinet elders are still the cabinet elders after all, and the status is stable after all...... Chen Shilang, do you think that's the truth? ”

Huo Zhengyuan's words can be regarded as an indirect admission to Chen Dongxiang that this time Huang Yourong and Zhao Junchen's party dispute, Zhao Junchen temporarily gained the upper hand. But Huo Zhengyuan is also reminding Chen Dongxiang that the reason why Zhao Junchen can compete with Huang Yourong now is that he still occupies the power of the West Factory, if there is no power of the West Factory, Zhao Junchen is just a scholar, and it is impossible to compete with the cabinet elders, and the West Factory controlled by Zhao Junchen can get temporary benefits, but in the long run, it is a hidden danger for Zhao Junchen, so Chen Dongxiang should carefully consider his choice.

In this way, inadvertently, the negotiation between Huo Zhengyuan and Chen Dongxiang has begun.

As for Huo Zhengyuan's hints, Chen Dongxiang naturally understood them.

But although Huo Zhengyuan was reasonable, it was not enough to convince Chen Dongxiang.

After all, the long-term hidden dangers, no matter how strict they are, only belong to the future after all, and Huang Yourong's worries belong to the present, if Huang Yourong is finally defeated under Zhao Junchen's fierce pursuit this time, then how strict Zhao Junchen's hidden worries in the future are, Chen Dongxiang will not be able to turn to a loser.

What's more, although Huo Zhengyuan hinted a lot, he still didn't explicitly promise benefits to Chen Dongxiang, and Chen Dongxiang would not express his stance lightly.

Therefore, after hearing Huo Zhengyuan's words, Chen Dongxiang didn't answer the topic, but said slowly: "Xia Guan has been working in the Ministry of Industry for all these years, and he only knows how to build a river and build a city and other stupid errands, and he has always had a low status, but he doesn't understand these truths of Huo University. ”

Chen Dongxiang didn't see a rabbit and didn't scatter an eagle, and took the initiative to mention his "low status", the implication of the words, Huo Zhengyuan naturally understood, but he finally made his words clear, and said with a smile: "Chen Shilang is too modest, with your talent, it is really too aggrieved to be a mere waiter of the Ministry of Works." Don't hide it from Chen Shilang, in fact, Huang Ge Lao has long been friends with you, and Huang Ge Lao has his influence in the court, Chen Shilang, you also know, if you can make friends with Huang Ge Lao and get Huang Ge Lao's support, Chen Shilang will naturally be able to show his ambitions. At that time, let alone the position of Shangshu, even if he enters the cabinet, it is not impossible. ”

Anyone can draw a big pie, so Chen Dongxiang still just smiled and didn't say anything.

Seeing Chen Dongxiang like this, Huo Zhengyuan was not embarrassed, and continued to smile: "There is a saying in officialdom that these eight grades are promoted to seven grades, four grades to three grades, and three grades to two grades, which are the three thresholds for the promotion of officials in the DPRK and China. These eight grades have been promoted to the seventh grade, which can be regarded as truly controlling the real power, and the four grades have been promoted to the third grade, which can be regarded as entering the center, and only when the third grade has been promoted to the second grade, it can be regarded as participating in the central decision-making and having the right to speak in the temple. And these three hurdles, once they are overcome, the next step is a smooth road, but if they can't be crossed, the achievements of that life will be limited to this. ”

Seeing Chen Dongxiang nodding in agreement, Huo Zhengyuan sighed and said: "Speaking of which, Chen Shilang, you are now a waiter of the Ministry of Works, and you are stuck in the last hurdle, as if it has been seven years." Although he is not too old, it is difficult to say whether he can finally cross this threshold. In comparison, Zhao Shangshu of the household department is only in his twenties, and he is already an official worshipper, which makes people really envious. ”

Hearing Huo Zhengyuan say this, although he knew that Huo Zhengyuan's purpose was to make him jealous of Zhao Junchen, Chen Dongxiang still couldn't help but feel a trace of jealousy in his heart, and his expression couldn't help but change slightly, but this trace of jealousy was not enough to disturb Chen Dongxiang's mind, so Chen Dongxiang just said slowly: "Lord Zhao is deeply favored, and he is talented and capable, so the lower officials naturally dare not compare." ”

Seeing that Chen Dongxiang's expression finally changed, Huo Zhengyuan showed a smile in his eyes, but he sighed in his mouth: "Having said that, but Chen Shilang has been so slow to be promoted, after all, he is still humiliated and capable, and it is also a loss to the court. However, now Zhao Junchen doesn't know the height of the sky, and he rashly makes enemies against Huang Ge Lao, but for Chen Shilang, it is not an opportunity. ”

"What did Master Huo say about this?"

Chen Dongxiang finally stopped avoiding it, looked at Huo Zhengyuan beside him with blazing eyes, and responded positively.

Huo Zhengyuan's words were full of demagogy, and said: "I have already heard that Chen Shilang, you helped Zhao Junchen to bring down the old Wen Guanliang of the original pavilion, and it is because of his outstanding merits, it stands to reason that Zhao Junchen should reward Chen Shilang and you, but Zhao Junchen is jealous of Chen Shilang's talent, not only coldly treats Chen Shilang you, but also suppresses it in every way, and now Chen Shilang Although you are still one of Zhao Junchen's henchmen on the surface, but in fact you are inseparable from Zhao Junchen, I don't know if I am right?" ”

Chen Dongxiang was silent again, but he did not deny it.

But Huo Zhengyuan looked indignant, and sighed: "After hearing about this situation, I really feel aggrieved for Chen Shilang, and Chen Shilang, you are now in an embarrassing position under Zhao Junchen, what is the point of continuing to stay?" What's more, as I just said, this Zhao Junchen is making waves in the DPRK by virtue of the power of the factory guard, and his reputation among the government and the opposition is also bad, and he is destined to have no good end in the future. ”

After a pause, Huo Zhengyuan continued: "Huang Ge Lao has long had the heart to befriend Chen Shilang, and now he is in a situation where he is not dying with Zhao Junchen, at this time, if Chen Shilang can turn against you and help Chen Shilang defeat Zhao Junchen, how can Huang Ge Lao treat you badly?" This time I met you, in fact, it was also instructed by Huang Ge Lao, Huang Ge Lao also guaranteed, if you can help Huang Ge Lao to bring down Zuo Lanshan, the Ministry of Industry Shangshu, then Huang Ge Lao will try to protect your position as the Ministry of Industry, if you can go further and directly help Huang Ge Lao to bring down Zhao Junchen, then Huang Ge Lao will try his best to protect your position as the head of the Ministry of Households! ”

Hearing Huo Zhengyuan's conditions, Chen Dongxiang's eyes fluctuated slightly, and he seemed to have some intentions, but after pondering for a while, he still asked: "Zhao Junchen's means and vision are really not to be underestimated, and now he has a solid foundation in the court, even if he has my help, I am afraid that it will be difficult to overwhelm Zhao Junchen, right?" ”

Huo Zhengyuan was full of confidence and said: "Chen Shilang, although you have been treated coldly by Zhao Junchen, you are still an official of Zhao Junchen's faction after all this period of time, and you still can't hide many things from Zhao Junchen after all, right?" In this way, with the powerful influence of Huang Ge Lao, coupled with Chen Shilang's imminent defection that caught Zhao Junchen off guard, what is impossible? ”

Seeing Chen Dongxiang groaning, as if he was a little hesitant, Huo Zhengyuan hurriedly said: "What's more, even if Chen Shilang you switch to Huang Ge Lao, we still can't help but get Zhao Junchen, Chen Shilang, you won't lose anything, Huang Ge Lao will definitely try his best to protect you from worry, and will never let Chen Shilang you be suppressed and retaliated by Zhao Junchen, and will still protect Chen Shilang you, after all, Chen Shilang After you switch to Huang Ge Lao, it is equivalent to Huang Ge Lao slapping Zhao Junchen's face, how can Huang Ge Lao give up on you?"

In addition, I heard that when Zhao Junchen was wooing Chen Shilang, he sold Chen Shilang some shares of 'Yuerong Fang', if Chen Shilang switched to Huang Ge Lao, these shares would be withdrawn. Yuerong Fang's income is certainly eye-catching, but Huang Ge Lao will never let Chen Shilang you suffer, I heard that Chen Shilang's maternal uncle Ma Lin is the magistrate of Yongping Mansion, as long as Chen Shilang you agree to switch to Huang Ge Lao, Huang Ge Lao will immediately promote Ma Lin as the deputy envoy of the Du Salt Envoy, Chen Shilang, you also know that the oil and water of the Du Salt Envoy are much more than some shares of 'Yue Rong Fang'. ”

After hearing Huo Zhengyuan say this, Chen Dongxiang looked up at Huo Zhengyuan a few times, and saw that Huo Zhengyuan looked serious, but he was full of confidence, obviously forcing Huang Yourong out of his bottom line, and his eyes couldn't help but show a thoughtful look.

-- Regardless of success or failure, Huang Yourong will protect Chen Dongxiang in the court, and guarantee that Chen Dongxiang will not be suppressed and retaliated against by Zhao Junchen, and also ensure that Chen Dongxiang's wife and uncle will serve as the fat messenger of the capital to transport salt; If he can successfully bring down Zhao Junchen or Zhao Junchen's right-hand man Zuo Lanshan, he will also try to ensure that Chen Dongxiang takes over the position of secretary of the household department or the Ministry of Industry.

Considering Chen Dongxiang's embarrassing position under Zhao Junchen's door now, this buying condition is good enough, but Chen Dongxiang can't be moved.

However, Chen Dongxiang still has some considerations of his own, but he is not willing to switch to Huang Yourong lightly.

So, after thinking for a while, Chen Dongxiang said to Huo Zhengyuan: "This matter is really serious, I wonder if Scholar Huo can allow me to think about it for some time?" However, please rest assured, this period of time will not be too long, and no matter what the result is, I will inform you before tomorrow morning. ”

Chen Dongxiang's statement made Huo Zhengyuan a little dissatisfied, in Huo Zhengyuan's opinion, such a generous condition, and he personally came forward to invite, but Chen Dongxiang was still hesitating, and he was really a little ignorant.

However, at such a time, Huo Zhengyuan was naturally reluctant to turn his face with Chen Dongxiang, not to mention Chen Dongxiang's statement, which proved that he was already tempted, so he still endured the dissatisfaction in his heart, and said with a smile: "Naturally, it is okay, but please Chen Shilang You can seriously consider it, and don't let down the sincerity of Huang Ge Lao and me." ”

Chen Dongxiang's eyes changed, and he nodded and said in a deep voice: "Naturally." ”

Next, between Huo Zhengyuan's greetings, the two began to raise chopsticks to eat, and Huo Zhengyuan still had hints of agitation from time to time during the banquet, but Chen Dongxiang didn't answer much, but his attitude towards Huo Zhengyuan was much closer than at the beginning.

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In this way, with the end of the banquet, the negotiations between Huo Zhengyuan and Chen Dongxiang finally ended.

Although there is no result, the two are already aware of each other's attitudes and bottom lines.

In particular, Huo Zhengyuan's attitude has already made it clear that the next step is Chen Dongxiang's position choice after careful consideration.

However, Huo Zhengyuan is full of confidence in this, in Huo Zhengyuan's opinion, Chen Dongxiang is already tempted, but he can't make up his mind yet.

However, he said that after the banquet, Chen Dongxiang left the Yuekelai Restaurant first, and then returned to his mansion in a carriage, changed his official uniform, and then changed to a sedan chair to go to the Yamen of the Ministry of Industry.

Although Chen Dongxiang was hesitating in his heart about whether to really betray Zhao Junchen and turn to Huang Yourong, he was quite deep in the city, and since he left Yueke Lai Restaurant, ordinary people couldn't see the change in his expression.

It's just that when Chen Dongxiang was hesitating about his next choice, he didn't expect that the carriage driver he followed when he went to Yuekelai Inn also left the house quietly after Chen Dongxiang left the house, and then walked towards the west of the city.

In this regard, it is not surprising that the people in Chen Dongxiang's house are the believers of the newly emerging Tongji Temple in Beijing, and the west of the capital is also the location of the Tongji Temple!

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ps: Today's third update, 5,000 words of big chapters, a total of 16,000 words updated today! More tomorrow! (To be continued.) )