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On this day, the crown prince Zhu Heyu publicly visited Zhao Junchen twice in a row, which attracted the attention of all parties in the government and the opposition, but it was also the reason why Zhu Heyu deliberately did it in order to force Zhao Junchen to express his position as soon as possible.

In contrast, when Shen Changmao visited the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian, he was light and simple, with a low-key attitude, and condescended to walk through the back door of the Seventh Prince's Mansion.

Zhu Hejian is still just an ordinary prince, and Shen Changmao is the head of the cabinet of the foreign dynasty, and this meeting between the two has violated the taboo of the imperial court, and it is easy for people to catch the handle, so naturally the fewer people who know, the better.

In fact, before Shen Changmao secretly visited Zhu Hejian today, they had been secretly communicating for a long time.

Zhu Hejian wants to use Shen Changmao's powerful position so that he can quickly gain a firm foothold after inheriting the position of the prince, and Shen Changmao also wants to climb the big tree of the future prince and stabilize his precarious position as the first assistant.

On this day, Shen Changmao and Zhu Hejian had a secret meeting to formally finalize the alliance between the two sides.

This matter is very important, Zhu Hejian's physical condition has not been good in the past few days, but he still has a strong spirit, welcomes Shen Changmao ceremoniously, and has an extremely humble attitude.

After the two met, it was inevitable to be polite, Shen Changmao praised Zhu Hejian for having the resources of a hidden dragon, and Zhu Hejian complimented Shen Changmao for being the mainstay of the imperial court, which was really friendly and harmonious.

Finally, when these politeness were over, and the conversation was about to get to the point, the eunuch Jia Lun walked into the room quickly with a serious expression, bent down and whispered a few words in Zhu Hejian's ear.

Hearing Jia Lun's report, the kindness and warmth in Zhu Hejian's expression suddenly turned into gloomy and cold.

Zhu Heyu and Zhao Junchen are very likely to have formed an alliance!

The influence of this incident on the temple pattern is so great that it cannot be overestimated!

In a way, Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu can be said to complement each other's advantages, once the two form an alliance, Zhu Heyu's status as a prince and the reputation of integrity will greatly enhance Zhao Junchen's reputation, and Zhao Junchen's scheming can also greatly make up for Zhu Heyu's lack of strategy and power.

The most important thing is that Zhao Junchen has always been very clear about Zhu Hejian's true temperament and wolf ambitions, once Zhao Junchen informs Zhu Heyu of this information, Zhu Hejian will no longer be able to manipulate Zhu Heyu at will in the future, and it may even affect Zhu Hejian's evaluation of the government and the opposition.

"During this period of time, I have never had the opportunity to visit the crown prince in the East Palace, but I didn't expect that his change would be so great, and he would take the initiative to seek an alliance with Zhao Junchen! The meeting between the two lasted for nearly two hours, and nine times out of ten, an alliance was formed! In this way, whether it is the pattern of the imperial court or my situation, there will inevitably be earth-shaking changes!

Zhao Junchen's threat is far greater than that of Zhao Shancai at the beginning, and after Zhu Heyu gets his assistance, maybe there is a possibility of turning the tables! The most important thing is that once Zhu Heyu learns about my disguise and plot from Zhao Junchen, with his character, he will inevitably tear his face with me, and maybe he will expose and testify with me in public, which will inevitably affect my image at that time, and I must find a countermeasure as soon as possible......

But maybe it won't get to this point! Zhao Junchen has always been a deep and selfish city, he will never really assist Zhu Heyu, and he will never tell Zhu Heyu all the news as soon as possible without reservation, even if he reaches an alliance with Zhu Heyu, it is just to use Zhu Heyu, and he will definitely not reveal his hole cards too early, which will not benefit him, I have not completely torn the face with Zhao Junchen, there is still room for easing relations, and maintaining the balance of power between me and the prince is his best choice......"

While thinking in secret, Zhu Hejian's expression was cloudy, and his eyes couldn't help flashing with the color of a gloomy owl.

In just a short moment, dozens of vicious ideas have already popped up in Zhu Hejian's mind.

On the other side, seeing Zhu Hejian's performance, Shen Changmao couldn't help but be shocked.

The yin owl temperament shown by Zhu Hejian, although it was only a flash, was just a matter of an eye, but it still made Shen Changmao, a powerful minister who had been up and down in the sea for many years, couldn't help but be frightened.

But in an instant, Zhu Hejian once again regained his previous warmth and cordiality, making Shen Changmao only feel that he had a delusion just now.

Then, Zhu Hejian turned his head to look at Shen Changmao, and said with a light smile: "I just received a very incredible news, Hejian was quite surprised in his heart, and couldn't help but feel a little out of shape, but it made Shen Shoufu smile." ”

Zhu Hejian's words, Shen Changmao couldn't help but divert his attention, and hurriedly asked: "I don't know what kind of news it is, it actually surprised His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince so much?" ”

Zhu Hejian's expression was very complicated, mixed with three points of disappointment and three points of pain, and said slowly: "This kind of news is not confidential, if Shen Shoufu stays in his mansion now, he must have also received the news...... Just after today's court meeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to Zhao Mansion to visit Zhao Junchen twice, especially the second visit, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Zhao Junchen had a secret conversation for nearly two hours! Alas, if nothing else, the two of them should have joined forces to form an alliance! ”

"What!? The crown prince and Zhao Junchen? They have always been on the same page, but now they are joining forces? ”

Hearing Zhu Hejian's explanation, Shen Changmao couldn't help but be dumbfounded.

Accustomed to the-for-tat confrontation between Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu, Shen Changmao couldn't imagine that the two had abandoned their old grievances and reached an alliance in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, Shen Changmao still felt a hint of powerlessness in the depths of his heart.

In recent years, as Zhao Junchen's power has become more and more powerful, the changes in the temple pattern have become more and more intense, although Shen Changmao is an old qualified minister in the center of the imperial court, and now he is still the head of the cabinet above 10,000 people under one person, but the trend of the temple situation has long been out of his control and calculation, and he can only be led by the nose by the temple situation.

Feeling powerless in his heart, Shen Changmao became more and more eager to reach an alliance with Zhu Hejian.

Shen Changmao knew very well in his heart that he could become the first assistant of the cabinet was just an expedient measure of Emperor Deqing, his strategy, vision, and power were far inferior to Zhou Shangjing, and he could not stabilize the government and the opposition and take charge of the overall situation like Zhou Shangjing.

But Shen Changmao didn't want to lose the dignity of the first assistant of the cabinet, and he didn't want to be ruined, so he had to join Zhu Hejian, who was about to become the new prince, in order to stabilize his position.

At this time, seeing the change in Zhu Hejian's expression, Shen Changmao thought that he had guessed Zhu Hejian's thoughts, and soon put on a sneer that didn't care, and said, "Heh! His Majesty's mind is already obvious, he has long been completely disappointed in the crown prince, and he has long been dissatisfied with Zhao Junchen's arrogant behavior, but they are just two broken ships that are about to sink, can they be tied together to cross the ocean? Your Royal Highness the Seventh Prince, you can rest assured, the position of the prince will be yours sooner or later! Even after the crown prince formed an alliance with Zhao Junchen, he would never be able to avoid the fate of being deposed, and it would only attract more fierce suppression from His Majesty! ”

Shen Changmao now wants to fall next to the big tree of Zhu Hejian, and his relationship with Zhao Junchen has always been bad, and now he is naturally extremely hostile to the alliance between Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu.

Seeing that Shen Changmao was still looking like a fierce and inward-looking, Zhu Hejian couldn't help but feel a burst of disdain in his heart.

If Zhao Junchen and Prince Zhu and Yu are broken ships that are about to sink to the bottom of the sea, then what is Shen Changmao? A rotten plank that can only float with the waves is not enough?

Emperor Deqing will not completely abandon Zhao Junchen and the crown prince Zhu and Yu in a short period of time, but Shen Changmao may not be! Even if the chaos of the government and the opposition is not in advance for a while, it is said that it is currently at the most intense time of the Hetao war, but the household yamen responsible for logistics and supply has been unable to operate for a long time, and it has gradually affected the front-line war.

If it weren't for Shen Changmao's power and influence, Zhu Hejian wouldn't have wasted his scheming to deal with him at all!

But on the surface, Zhu Hejian still had a modest attitude, and his expression was full of grief, sighing: "Alas! I don't care if I can inherit the throne, but I am sad that the third brother has given up the bottom line, in order to stabilize his position, since he chose to cooperate with a corrupt official and traitor like Zhao Junchen! The third brother was certainly reckless in the past, but at least he had a good reputation, but if this matter spread, wouldn't the third brother's reputation be ruined? ”

Hearing Zhu Hejian's hint, Shen Changmao's eyes suddenly lit up, and he nodded: "That's true!" The crown prince has always had an excellent reputation, and he has also won the support of the Qinglius, and now he chooses to cooperate with a corrupt official and traitor like Zhao Junchen, not only will his reputation be lost, but the Qingliu will soon abandon him, but I am afraid that the gains outweigh the losses! ”

Speaking of this, Shen Changmao predicted meaningfully: "I dare to say that in just three days, this matter will be known to everyone, and it will inevitably attract endless criticism at that time!"

Hehe, speaking of which, since the crown prince lost his holy favor, the position of the Qingliu people has always been wavering, they are inclined to the Seven Princes, and they are not willing to abandon the prince at will, and now they only need to guide public opinion a little, so that they can completely change their camp and support His Royal Highness the Seven Princes without reservation, it is also a breeze! ”

Seeing that Shen Changmao understood his hint, Zhu Hejian still sighed and shook his head, looking very worried about Zhu Heyu.

Using Shen Changmao's channel to publicize the alliance between Zhao Junchen and the crown prince Zhu Heyu everywhere, and then triggering public opinion pressure between the government and the opposition, was just a means for Zhu Hejian to try to undermine the alliance between Zhao Junchen and the crown prince Zhu Heyu.

In fact, Zhu Hejian did not expect such a method to succeed, because he knew the stubborn character of the crown prince Zhu Heyu, but he was afraid that he would not succumb to the pressure of public opinion, and Zhao Junchen's reputation has now undergone a fundamental reversal, and the Qingliu people may not react too violently.

Just like Shen Changmao's speculation, taking advantage of this opportunity to completely take the Qingliu forces for his own use is Zhu Hejian's real goal.

However, Zhu Hejian still has follow-up means.

Then, Zhu Hejian said: "We must not watch the prince go astray!" Speaking of which, after Wang Baoren took over the position of the crown prince and prince, he assumed the power and responsibility of teaching the prince, and we might as well inform him of this news and let the prince come forward to admonish the prince. ”

Shen Changmao hesitated and said: "Wang Baoren has always been a shrewd person who doesn't see rabbits and eagles, and now he is sitting in Nanjing officialdom on behalf of the imperial court to purge the major yamen, this matter is not of any benefit to him, but I am afraid that he will not intervene, right?" ”

Zhu Hejian asked softly: "I heard that the plan of the imperial court center for the six departments of Nanjing this time was all out of Zhao Junchen's idea?" The Sixth Department of Nanjing has always been the foundation of Wang Baoren's power, and he personally came forward to purge the Nanjing officialdom this time, and he was only forced to do it, and he would be resentful in his heart! As long as we inform Wang Baoren of this news, Wang Baoren will definitely hate Zhao Junchen's plot, and he will definitely try his best to prevent the alliance between the prince and Zhao Junchen! ”

Hearing Zhu Hejian's words, Shen Changmao's eyes suddenly lit up again, and he stroked his palms and said, "Wonderful! The center of the imperial court wanted to take back the authority from the six departments of Nanjing, and it was indeed because of Zhao Junchen's strong push! It was precisely according to his plan that the center of the imperial court laid a trap and calculated Wang Baoren, so that he could personally destroy his own power foundation and come forward to purge the six departments of Nanjing!

However, as compensation, His Majesty also promised Wang Baoren that he would be allowed to join the cabinet and take over the power afterwards!

If Wang Baoren knows the truth of the matter, he will inevitably hate Zhao Junchen to the core, even if he can't stop Zhao Junchen's alliance with the crown prince, he will completely become their enemy!

At that time, there is a chance that Wang Baoren will take refuge in His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince, and His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince will have the support of one more cabinet elder! ”

When he admired again and again, Shen Changmao couldn't help but ignore Zhu Hejian's young age and deeply admired Zhu Hejian's scheming methods.

Just a little bit to guide the situation, Zhu Hejian expanded his power, recruited allies, and caused a lot of trouble to Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu.

It's just that while admiring Zhu Hejian's ingenious methods, Shen Changmao's mind suddenly appeared with Zhu Hejian's cold temperament that flashed just now, but there was a little more awe in his heart.

On the other side, seeing Shen Changmao so knowledgeable and trying his best to cooperate with him, a trace of satisfaction flashed in Zhu Hejian's eyes, and he nodded and smiled: "It is really unwise for the prince to choose to form an alliance with Zhao Junchen!" Even if you want to seek allies to support you, you should choose a minister like Shen Shoufu who is old enough to seek the country!

Of course, I also know that Shen Shoufu has encountered some troubles during this time, because of the unstable situation in the temple, his father is indeed a little unhappy, but I think that all the chaos in the temple has nothing to do with Shen Shoufu, if it is not for Shen Shoufu's hard work, the situation in the temple will be even more chaotic! Please rest assured that when I enter the palace to meet my father in the next two days, I will definitely speak well for Shen Shoufu!"

Hearing Zhu Hejian's words, Shen Changmao was immediately overjoyed.

He took the initiative to visit Zhu Hejian today, put down his body and took the initiative to cater to him, isn't it just for Zhu Hejian's promise?

So, Shen Changmao's old face also had a little more smile, and he nodded: "His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince can be sympathetic to the old minister, the old man is really very pleased!" ”

Zhu Hejian's smile became more and more gentle, and he said: "Shen Shoufu has always been the senior I admire the most, so he should communicate more." However, the identities of you and me are sensitive, and a direct meeting like today is inevitably criticized, and it is better to communicate through an intermediary in the future. ”

Speaking of this, Zhu Hejian thought for a moment and proposed again: "I heard that Wang Lun, the secretary of Taichang Temple, is Shen Shoufu's henchman?" Taichang Temple has always been in charge of the temple etiquette, and has not been noticed by all parties, I often went to Taichang Temple to learn the etiquette system a few years ago, if you and I have something in the future, you might as well contact through Wang Lun, the secretary of Taichang Temple? ”

After Shen Changmao pondered for a moment, he also felt that Zhu Hejian's statement was reasonable!

Before Zhu Hejian officially became the prince, if the two were in contact from time to time, it would be easy to be caught, and it would be safer to communicate through an intermediary.

In all respects, Wang Lun, the king of Taichang Temple, is the best candidate for the middleman between the two sides.

So, Shen Changmao nodded and said, "It's okay!" If His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince needs the assistance of the old man in the future, he can pass the news to Wang Lun, the secretary of Taichang Temple, and if I need the assistance of His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince, I will also leave the news with Wang Lun, which is to trouble the Seven Princes to go to Taichang Temple from time to time. ”

Hearing Shen Changmao's words, a hint of pride flashed in the depths of Zhu Hejian's eyes.

For Zhu Hejian, it is fake to find an intermediary for communication between the two sides, and it is Zhu Hejian's true intention to take the opportunity to deceive Shen Changmao's permission and make contact with the "Shen Party" officials in a grand manner!

Taichang Temple is a clear water yamen, Taichang Temple Qing Wang Lun, as a member of the imperial court, is of course a noble status, and he also has qualifications and connections, but he has too little real power in his hands, after all, he is only a marginal figure of the "Shen Party", and he must be unwilling in his heart!

Such a character is the easiest to subdue!

Moreover, once Zhu Hejian subdues Wang Lun, the secretary of Taichang Temple, he can use Wang Lun's connections and channels to further bring all the "Shen Party" officials into his own door! In the end, the entire "Shen Party" will be subordinated to Zhu Hejian.

Zhu Hejian is a selfish and suspicious person, he never needs the support of his allies, he just needs to bow down and tame his subordinates!

Therefore, Zhu Hejian never really formed an alliance with Shen Changmao from beginning to end - in Zhu Hejian's eyes, Shen Changmao is not worthy of being his ally! - From the very beginning, he wanted to take the opportunity to embezzle Shen Changmao's power and connections!

In the end, even Shen Changmao himself could only look at Zhu Hejian!

Back then, Zhao Junchen could use one Zhan Shanchang to buy off the vast majority of "Wen Party" officials, and now I, Zhu Hejian, use Wang Lun to take all the "Shen Party" officials for my own use, and it is by no means a problem!

"If I annex 'too. The forces of the 'sub-party' and the 'Shen party', Wang Baoren, who is about to join the cabinet and auxiliary government, will soon become my supporter...... At that time, I will have the power and influence that is not inferior to Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, coupled with the support and maintenance of my father, my position will be unshakable, even if Zhao Junchen and the crown prince form an alliance? ”

Thinking of this, Zhu Hejian's smile towards Shen Changmao became more sincere and humble.

"In that case, I will ask Shen Shoufu for more advice in the future!"

*

At the end of the meeting between Zhu Hejian and Shen Changmao, Zhou Shangjing also received detailed information.

Among the information received by Zhou Shangjing, not only did it contain the news that Zhao Junchen and Zhu Heyu were very likely to have formed an alliance, but the news of Shen Changmao's secret visit to Zhu Hejian also failed to hide Zhou Shangjing's eyes.

When Zhou Quan reported these news to Zhou Shangjing, Zhou Shangjing was reviewing the relevant notes of the Hetao War in his study, and his expression was quite focused.

Like Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing attached great importance to the imperial court's war to recover the Hetao, and he also invested a lot of effort during this time, but seeing the increasing chaos of the household yamen and his own old age, Zhou Shangjing gradually developed some powerlessness that was difficult to maintain.

After hearing the thoughtful report, Zhou Shangjing put down the music in his hand and slowly closed his eyes, his tired old face was full of thought.

"The development of the situation in the center of the temple can be said to be more and more interesting...... Zhao Junchen chose to form an alliance with the crown prince Zhu Heyu, and Shen Changmao worked hand in hand with the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, and the temple layout was completely different from the past...... His Majesty's mind is also unpredictable...... Alas, I am really old, and I can't deduce the direction of such a new pattern for a while......

It is necessary to eliminate some unpredictable factors and make the situation in the temple clearer and simpler...... Well, let's start with Zhao Junchen...... The Hubu Yamen has been too chaotic during this time, and it has affected the front-line war, and Zhao Junchen is hiding behind and pretending to be sick and unwilling to take responsibility, and he doesn't know what his true intentions are, so he must be forced to go to the front of the curtain as soon as possible! ”

While thinking about it, Zhou Shangjing had already made a decision in his heart, opened his eyes again, and commanded slowly: "If the news goes on, the matter of Caoliang can be attacked." ”

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