……

……

Objectively speaking, Zhao Junchen has always treated his own people very well.

If something unexpected happens to the friends, Zhao Junchen always tries his best to protect him; If he sees a lack of fat, Zhao Junchen always tries his best to fight for his friends; If he finds a way to make money, Zhao Junchen is also willing to share the benefits with his friends, and he will never eat alone.

Moreover, Zhao Junchen can be regarded as a broad-minded person, even if friends raise objections to some of Zhao Junchen's practices, Zhao Junchen will never be angry, but patiently explain his thoughts and discuss with each other.

What's more, before the Shaanxi-Gansu War, Zhao Junchen's style of action was not as decisive and ruthless as it is now.

Zhan Shanchang didn't know that Huo Zhengyuan had already noticed his dissatisfaction and had been secretly paying attention to him, which made Zhao Junchen aware of his betrayal in time.

Therefore, after Zhan Shanchang heard Zhao Junchen's instructions, he did not have any doubts in his heart, and still thought that Zhao Junchen would do his best to protect himself as usual.

It's not that Zhao Junchen is good at disguise, Zhao Junchen's generosity towards loyal people, and Zhao Junchen's ruthlessness towards betrayals, the two do not conflict, they are all the embodiment of Zhao Junchen's true character.

Zhan Shanchang had obviously betrayed Zhao Junchen, but he was not vigilant enough against the other side of Zhao Junchen's character, which doomed him to a tragic end.

*

However, he said that under the leadership of the subordinates of the Zhao Mansion, Zhan Shanchang hurried to the study of the Zhao Mansion, but found that Zhao Junchen's confidant Niu Fude was already waiting for him here, and he had also prepared pen, ink, paper and inkstone in advance.

After seeing Zhan Shanchang appear, Niu Fude smiled and saluted: "The contemptible people have seen Lord Zhan." ”

Zhan Shanchang knew very well that Niu Fude was Zhao Junchen's confidant, and after following Zhao Junchen through the Shaanxi-Gansu War, Niu Fude had become one of Zhao Junchen's most trusted staff.

Therefore, Zhan Shanchang didn't dare to slack off, and hurriedly returned the courtesy politely, saying, "Mr. Niu, it's been a long time!" We're all our own people, so you're welcome! What's more, I have now lost my official position, and it is inappropriate for Mr. Niu to call me the word 'adult' again. ”

Niu Fude still looked smiling, and said: "Lord Zhan, your dismissal this time is only temporary, my Lord Zhao has now returned to the capital, I believe that Lord Zhan, you will be reinstated soon." ”

Zhan Shanchang couldn't help but laugh and said, "Borrow your auspicious words, I hope so!" But we have to get through the catastrophe in front of us first. ”

Niu Fude nodded, and said: "Lord Zhan was impeached for colluding with the vassal king, and the contemptible people have also heard about it, but Lord Zhan doesn't have to worry at all, my Lord Zhao has already laid the groundwork with His Majesty, as long as this matter is cleared of Lord Zhan's crimes before it is exposed in public, this turmoil will soon pass......

Speaking of which, if my family's Lord Zhao's plan goes well, Lord Zhan, you are not only innocent this time, but also have good intentions and courage to collect the crimes of the vassal kings in annexing land and oppressing the people, but it is meritorious! Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lord Zhan, you may soon be reinstated, and maybe you will be promoted to another level. ”

As he spoke, Niu Fude took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it and handed it to Zhan Shanchang, and said, "My Lord Zhao attaches great importance to this matter, and asked the contemptible person to prepare a petition for Lord Zhan in advance...... Of course, it's just a nominal petition for guilt, but in fact, it is to tell the ins and outs of this matter in the name of petitioning for guilt, and there is a faint hint of inviting merit. ”

Zhan Shanchang hurriedly took the letter and looked at it carefully, and soon showed a state of satisfaction.

Just like Niu Fude said, the petition he drafted was only for the purpose of plea on the surface, and his confession attitude was also quite sincere, but there was an implicit defense between the sentences, indicating that all these things were deliberately done by the household yamen in order to collect evidence of the crimes of the vassal kings, and many household officials were listed as witnesses, including Zhao Junchen's name.

If you summarize it briefly, the content of this petition is "I, Zhan Shanchang, am certainly guilty, but my crime is not to secretly collude with the vassal kings, but to not make my thoughts public in time, but I deliberately conceal the news and have no choice but to do so, otherwise I will startle the snake and make the vassal kings vigilant!" Therefore, I, Zhan Shanchang, am not only innocent, but also meritorious! ”

After reading it carefully, Zhan Shanchang became more and more satisfied, and his eyes were full of admiration when he looked at Niu Fude, and said: "Mr. Niu's sword and pen skills are really amazing!" If I had been in a different place with Your Majesty, I would have received such a petition for guilt, but I would not have been able to condemn it under any circumstances...... Fortunately, Mr. Niu, you prepared this note in advance, if I had been in a hurry to prepare, it would have been impossible to write so well. ”

Seeing that Zhan Shanchang was extremely satisfied, Niu Fude's eyes flickered slightly, but the smile on his face was even better, and he said: "In this case, Lord Zhan should copy this invitation as soon as possible, and after you finish copying, Lord Zhao will take it to the palace before the palace ban to meet Your Majesty, and explain this matter to Your Majesty." ”

Zhan Shanchang nodded again and again, no longer had any delay, and hurriedly walked to the desk, carefully copied the content of this petition, and also left his name and stamped his own private seal.

Just as Zhan Shanchang was copying, Niu Fude also sent a cup of tea to Zhan Shanchang, and Zhan Shanchang didn't think much about it, and immediately drank most of it.

After Zhan Shanchang finished copying, Niu Fude also read it carefully, and after seeing Zhan Shanchang copying the text he had prepared for him in advance without changing a word, he also nodded with satisfaction.

Then, just as Niu Fude was carefully drying the ink, Zhan Shanchang asked, "This petition is slight, but do you want me to hand it over to Zhao Gechen personally?" ”

Niu Fude shook his head and said: "My family Lord Zhao's physical condition is currently very bad, and now he is recuperating and preparing to enter the palace to meet him, Lord Zhan doesn't have to bother him anymore, this letter will be handed over to Lord Zhao by the contemptible person, and after Lord Zhao gets this note, he will immediately rush to the palace to meet His Majesty...... Lord Zhan, you can go back to the house for the time being and wait for the news. ”

Zhan Shan often thought of the appearance of Zhao Junchen lying on the bed weakly when he saw Zhao Junchen just now, and felt that he shouldn't bother Zhao Junchen anymore.

Although he thought that it was better for him to stay in the Zhao Mansion and wait for the news, since Niu Fude had already opened his mouth to send off the guests, Zhan Shanchang was not good to stay long.

So, after Zhan Shanchang hesitated for a moment, he finally nodded and said, "Since this is the case, I will go back to the mansion and wait for the good news of Zhao Gechen." ”

Seeing that Zhan Shanchang's expression was a little troubled, Niu Fude opened his mouth and said with relief: "Lord Zhan can rest assured, now the imperial court is still inseparable from my family Lord Zhao, even if there is no such excuse to ask for guilt, but as long as my family Lord Zhao is willing to intercede for you, Your Majesty will also sell my family Lord Zhao some face." ”

While speaking, Niu Fude had already led Zhan Shanchang out of the study, and personally sent Zhan Shanchang outside the Zhao Mansion.

When the two of them walked outside the gate of the Zhao Mansion, Niu Fude seemed to suddenly think of something again, and said: "I almost forgot, there is one more thing, after this turmoil is over, my Lord Zhao will operate secretly to help Lord Zhan reinstate your official, but some time ago, there were too many officials who impeached Lord Zhan, so after you return to the mansion tonight, Lord Zhan, it is best to prepare another letter to justify the impeachment of yourself by the imperial historians a few days ago, and then my Lord Zhao can find the reason and reinstate Lord Zhan." …… It's best to send this note here tomorrow and hand it over to Lord Zhao for review. ”

Hearing Niu Fude's words, Zhan Shanchang didn't dare to slack off, and hurriedly nodded in agreement.

Seeing that everything was going well, Niu Fude's eyes kept flickering, and he saluted Zhan Shanchang again, and said meaningfully: "In this case, Lord Zhan will go all the way!" ”

*

said that Zhan Shanchang took a sedan chair on the way back to the mansion, perhaps because it was late and the sedan chair was shaking, Zhan Shanchang was also a little drowsy.

However, Zhan Shanchang's charges have not yet been washed away, and he still needs to wait for news from the Zhao Mansion, but he doesn't dare to close his eyes and fall asleep at all, but he just forcibly lifts his spirits and secretly thinks about his future.

"The matter of secretly colluding with the vassal king is of course a violation of Your Majesty's taboo, but if Zhao Junchen is willing to come forward to testify for me in person, all this is blamed on the deliberate work of the Hubu Yamen in order to collect the evidence of the vassal kings......

Also, when I saw Zhao Junchen this time, I found that he was really ill, this news is extremely important, and you should inform Your Majesty as soon as possible, so that Your Majesty can prepare early! Your Majesty, after seeing that I was spying on Zhao Junchen and playing a role, he must have secretly sheltered me......

At that time, I may also be the hero who exposes the crimes of the vassal kings, and maybe I can take the opportunity to reinstate the officials! Your Majesty, in order to let me get closer to Zhao Junchen, he must also be happy to see it!

Hehe, the two waiters of the household yamen are currently in great loss of official reputation, and the position of the household secretary has not been decided for a long time, I may be able to fight for it then, with the support of Zhao Junchen and His Majesty, this matter may not be impossible! ”

While thinking about it, the wishful thinking in Zhan Shanchang's heart crackled, and the drowsiness that was gradually becoming heavy was also dispelled by him.

Soon, Zhan Shanchang had already returned to his mansion in a sedan chair.

After returning to the mansion, Zhan Shanchang immediately went to the study of the Zhan Mansion and summoned Li Houde, the spy and manager of the Zhan Mansion arranged by Dongchang

Before Zhan Shan's reinstatement, he could only inform Emperor Deqing of the news through this person.

After Li Houde came to the study, the sleepiness in Zhan Shanchang's head became more and more intense, but he still strengthened his spirit and said: "Steward Li, you report the news to Your Majesty on my behalf, just say that I went to Zhao Mansion today and also saw Zhao Junchen, his physical condition is indeed extremely bad, he already looks seriously ill, and it seems that his sudden coma before is not a disguise." ”

Seeing Zhan Shanchang's sluggish appearance, Li Houde had some doubts in his heart, and only felt that Zhan Shanchang's situation was a little abnormal.

However, Li Houde is just a secret agent of the East Factory, and his status is not high, so he is naturally not qualified to ask Zhan Shanchang about the situation.

Therefore, after hearing Zhan Shanchang's instructions, Li Houde just nodded in a deep voice and said, "Don't worry, master, I will spread this news to Dongchang as soon as possible, and Your Majesty will receive the news soon." ”

After talking about business, Li Houde asked again: "But I don't know what else you have to say, master?" ”

Zhan Shanchang hesitated for a moment, considering whether he should explain to Emperor Deqing in advance about his suspected collusion with the vassal kings through Li Houde's channels.

But Zhan Shanchang also knew that Li Houde's status was not high, at most he was a Dongchang head, and this time the matter was very important and complicated, and it was difficult to explain it to Emperor Deqing through Li Houde, and maybe it would affect Zhao Junchen's plan to protect him.

So, Zhan Shanchang finally shook his head and said, "There is nothing else to do, you can step back and report the news to Your Majesty as soon as possible." ”

Seeing Zhan Shanchang's flickering hesitation, and then seeing Zhan Shanchang's lack of energy, Li Houde felt more and more that Zhan Shanchang was a little preoccupied, but Li Houde was inconvenient to ask more after all, so he just nodded and left.

After Li Houde left the study, Zhan Shanchang remembered Niu Fude's advice before parting.

So, Zhan Shanchang ordered someone to bring a cup of tea to refresh himself, and then came to the desk and began to prepare the next note to justify his repeated impeachment by the imperial history in the past few days.

At this time, the only person who stayed by Zhan Shanchang's side to serve was Zhan An, who was his eldest follower.

Seeing that Zhan Shan often raised his spirits and prepared to play, but as if he couldn't hold on to sleep at any time, Zhan An's expression kept changing.

However, thinking of his sweetheart, Xiao Cui, the maidservant of the Zhan Mansion, who was violated by Zhan Shanchang half a year ago, and then thinking of the one thousand taels of silver tickets in his arms, Zhan An's expression flashed a trace of ruthlessness, and he repeatedly whispered in his heart: "Daozun is merciful, and help the world!" Respect the Tao for mercy and help the world! ”

*

said that at the same time that Zhan Shanchang returned to the mansion, Zhao Junchen also came to the study of the Zhao Mansion.

At this time, Zhao Junchen had completely lost his weak appearance just now, and had regained his usual calmness and calmness.

When Zhao Junchen pushed the door and entered the study, he saw Niu Fude and an old man writing something on the bookcase.

This old man's name is Luo Siquan, and he is one of Zhao Junchen's staff members recruited from Jiangnan.

Luo Siquan's insight, vision, and astuteness are all ordinary, but he has a specialty that Zhao Junchen attaches great importance to, that is, he is extremely good at all kinds of calligraphy fonts, whether it is regular script, line script, cursive script, etc., all have a high foundation.

It is precisely because of this that Luo Siquan is best at imitating other people's handwriting.

After entering the study, Zhao Junchen did not disturb Niu Fude and Luo Siquan, but quietly walked to the two of them and watched their actions.

On top of the bookcase, the copy of the petition that Zhan Shanchang had copied had been unfolded and put aside, while Luo Siquan was copying it with a focused expression.

Luo Siquan was originally very good at imitating other people's handwriting, and now that there is an original version that can be copied, it is even more vivid, but I am afraid that after Zhan Shanchang himself saw Luo Siquan's copying, he couldn't tell the difference for a while.

However, Luo Siquan also made a choice when copying handwriting.

In Zhan Shanchang's plea, there were originally both sincere confessions and secret justifications, but Luo Siquan put aside all the justifications, only copied those sentences that sincerely confessed his guilt, and reversed the order of some sentences.

In this way, the content of Zhan Shanchang's plea suddenly changed completely, and it became a thorough confession, not only calmly admitting all the crimes, but also having no sense of justification, and even an extremely obvious intention of apologizing with death.

By the time Luo Siquan's copying was over, a brand new plea was completed.

After Zhao Junchen took this petition, he carefully checked it several times, but he couldn't find fault at all, so he couldn't help but nod and smile: "Mr. Luo's methods are really clever!" Even if this note was handed over to Zhan Shanchang to see, he was afraid that he would not be able to distinguish it at all. ”

Luo Siquan hurriedly laughed and said: "Lord Zhao has an overreputation, the villain has no other ability, he will have such a craft in this life, he can only keep improving, and it will be useful to Lord Zhao!" ”

Zhao Junchen praised Luo Siquan a few more words, and then asked Luo Siquan to go to the treasury of Zhao Mansion to receive the reward.

After Luo Siquan left, he handed this brand-new petition to Niu Fude, and instructed: "Send someone to send this recital to Zhan Shanchang's mansion, and there will be a person named Li Jue who will be responsible for answering it at that time." Then, tell Li Jue that if you don't find an opportunity tonight, don't take the risk and just wait and see...... But if you find an opportunity, don't hesitate to send Zhan Shanchang on the road. ”

Niu Fude hurriedly agreed with a serious expression: "Please rest assured, Lord Zhao, I will definitely tell them, but Zhan Shanchang has already drunk that cup of tea just now, and he will definitely fall asleep without resistance within an hour!" At that time, no matter how we operate, he won't be able to wake up! Nine times out of ten, tonight it will be done! ”

After speaking, Niu Fude turned around and left in a hurry.

Looking at Niu Fude's back, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction.

After the Shaanxi and Gansu War, Niu Fude has completely become Zhao Junchen's confidant, and many confidential matters can also be handed over to him.

Otherwise, many of Zhao Junchen's plans can often only be discussed with Fang Ru and Zhang Yuer, the two concubines, although these two daughters are both shrewd women who do not let their eyebrows go, but it is not a long-term feasible approach.

"The affairs of Tongji Temple are too sensitive, but the intelligence channels of major commercial houses and storytelling guilds should be handed over to these staff."

Zhao Junchen thought secretly.

……

5,000 words big chapter!

……