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In the Ming Dynasty, due to the backwardness of communication methods, as well as the poor transportation roads, coupled with the vastness of the territory, there was a serious lag in the dissemination of information.

If the news of the capital wants to reach the south of the Yangtze River, it often takes more than a month, which is still because the transportation from the capital to the south of the Yangtze River is relatively convenient and the region is relatively prosperous.

No matter when, no matter what, the more scarce the more precious, so in this era, the most precious thing is probably timely and accurate information and intelligence, if you can get the information one step ahead, it means that you occupy the opportunity, get a lot of opportunities and advantages, as long as the operation is done properly, you can easily obtain countless benefits and benefits.

Some time ago, the reason why the fighting game between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing ended in failure was, in the final analysis, that there was a problem with Emperor Deqing's news channel, so it was calculated everywhere.

Zhao Junchen understood the importance of intelligence very early, in order to build a reliable and fast intelligence network, Zhao Junchen spent countless silver and energy, and now he finally has some results, at least he did not let himself become deaf and blind.

However, in this era, there are not many people who attach importance to information and intelligence like Zhao Junchen, and most people's means of gathering intelligence are still at the level of "word of mouth".

For example, now, Zhao Junchen knew the true intentions of Emperor Deqing's southern tour long before Emperor Deqing's southern tour, and the crown prince Zhu Heyu's desire to rectify commercial taxes. And it's been planning for a long time, like this. When the incident happened, Zhao Junchen could naturally get the most benefits.

Compared to Zhao Junchen. The vast majority of people's news is lagging behind, they are not aware of the changes in the capital, and they do not understand why Emperor Deqing hurried back to the capital, and can only rely on the most primitive means to collect news.

However, no matter how late the spread of news is, there will always be a day when it reaches people's ears!

*

After the Southern Patrol fleet left Yangzhou, it was still sailing at full speed. Soon came to Huai'an City again, and planned to rest in Huai'an City for a night.

At the same time, the news of Prince Zhu and Yu's rectification of commercial taxes finally reached the ears of the accompanying officials.

The shock caused by this news is undoubtedly very huge.

There is no shortage of smart people among the hundred officials.

After these clever people learned the news, they quickly came to three conclusions: first, the temple, which was already an undercurrent, was about to fall into even greater chaos because of the rectification of commercial taxes; Second, the crown prince Zhu and Yu stabbed the big basket. I'm afraid it's going to be passive, as for the old Huang Yourong who stayed in Beijing to assist the government, he will be even more unlucky, and the balance of power in the center of the court is about to be broken; Third. Zhao Junchen, as the secretary of the household department, is not only familiar with the way of taxation, but also has unparalleled financial management skills, and Emperor Deqing wants to clean up the mess of commercial tax rectification. It is inevitable to further reuse Zhao Junchen and let Zhao Junchen take over the rectification of commercial taxes. So, within the next period of time. Zhao Junchen will inevitably be hot and powerful!

The commercial tax of the Ming Dynasty was originally full of oil and water, and the rectification of commercial tax was full of opportunities, and the slightest deviation of the policy could bring endless benefits and benefits.

Therefore, after receiving the news, the political speculators thought that they had understood the changes in the situation, and naturally they would not miss this opportunity, and they all turned their attention to Zhao Junchen, hoping that they could get some benefits from Zhao Junchen.

For a time, Zhao Junchen's desk was full of worship stickers, there were officials, nobles, giants, celebrities, all of whom wanted to meet Zhao Junchen and get closer, and many of them directly expressed their willingness to join Zhao Junchen, as if Zhao Junchen had become the most popular figure in the temple.

In fact, not only Zhao Junchen, but also all the "Zhao Party" officials below Zuolanshan of the Ministry of Industry have received a lot of attention and flattery.

Therefore, Emperor Deqing was worried that Zhao Junchen's power would rise sharply and be difficult to control after he presided over the commercial tax rectification, and he received some of Zhao Junchen's authority in advance, which was not without purpose.

Once Zhao Junchen presided over the rectification of commercial taxes, it is true that he will offend the interests of many people and become the enemy in the eyes of many vested interests, but he also has the power to redivide the distribution of interests, these interests are so huge that they are enough to make people tempted, and many people will voluntarily become Zhao Junchen's subordinates and cheer for Zhao Junchen in order to seek greater benefits, which is also a matter of course.

However, just when everyone wanted to get close to Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen did not meet anyone, but took advantage of the time when the Southern Patrol Fleet was temporarily resting in Huai'an City, wearing a casual clothes, and led Xu Qingyan to the streets of Huai'an City, strolling and playing at will in the night.

Under the current situation, Zhao Junchen may not have any leisure time in the future.

Therefore, Zhao Junchen took advantage of the fact that he had not yet returned to Beijing, and he also planned to relax and enjoy the last leisure time.

In the night market of Huai'an City, Zhao Junchen seems to be an ordinary person, walking and stopping along the way, watching the excitement, enjoying the night, tasting snacks, and moving with the flow of people, which seems quite comfortable.

Originally, Zhao Junchen thought that he would spend the night like this.

Then, in the lively night market, Zhao Junchen saw Zhou Shangjing, who was also wearing civilian clothes.

I saw Zhou Shangjing wearing a simple Confucian costume, and he also hid his temperament, as if he was a down-and-out old scholar, standing quietly at the corner of the street, nodding to Zhao Junchen with a smile.

It seems to be a chance encounter, and it seems that Zhao Junchen has been waiting for a long time.

After seeing Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen was slightly stunned at first, but quickly returned to normal, and walked quickly in front of Zhou Shangjing, bowed and saluted: "Originally, I was just hanging out, but I didn't expect to meet you, Senior Zhou is really good!" ”

Zhou Shangjing smiled indifferently and said, "Junchen, you are now in the spotlight of thousands of people, but you are wearing civilian clothes. Walking in the folk night market, it looks light. Isn't it a good Yaxing? ”

Then, the two looked at each other and smiled. Naturally, they walked side by side.

During the stroll, after the two chatted a few words, Zhou Shangjing suddenly changed his words and said: "Speaking of which, the old man still remembers the scene when he first met Junchen. At that time, Junchen was appointed by His Majesty as the champion, his face was full of ecstasy and disbelief, and even his speech was stumbling and incoherent...... At that time, the old man felt that Junchen, your city was too shallow, and he was out of ground. Although it was a coincidence that he became the champion and the first, the future prospects may be very limited. ”

After speaking, Zhou Shangjing shook his head with a smile and said: "But I didn't expect that the old man was out of sight, Junchen, you are now young, you are already a second-class official residence, and you will become the hottest upstart in the temple in the future, the future is really limitless...... Especially the period before and after the Southern Tour. The ups and downs above the temple, the open and secret battle between His Majesty and the old man attracted the attention of the world, and now this battle has finally come to an end, in the eyes of others. This time, His Majesty and the old man can be said to have lost both, and it was Shen Changmao who benefited from the fisherman, but the old man knew it very well. The person who really got the biggest benefit is you Zhao Junchen! You took advantage of the battle between Your Majesty and the old man, not only pushing the prince into a dilemma. also took the opportunity to get further development space, it can be said that His Majesty and the old man were both calculated by Junchen...... Speaking of which. It's also a good means and a good intention. ”

Hearing Zhou Shangjing's emotion, Zhao Junchen did not answer, but just waited for the following.

Sure enough, after Zhou Shangjing sighed, he suddenly asked: "So, Junchen, why do you think you got to this point?" Is it the best financial management technique in the world? Or is it a shrewd eye for a head start? Or is it a clever way to be superior? ”

With Zhao Junchen's current prestige status, I am afraid that only Zhou Shangjing is qualified to ask Zhao Junchen like this.

After thinking seriously for a moment, Zhao Junchen shook his head and said, "Not at all!" In recent years, although I have occasionally encountered some minor setbacks and minor troubles, it has basically been smooth sailing, and this is probably not because of any cleverness in my means, but because of the situation...... In other words, I was lucky to have come across a situation that suited my development. ”

Zhou Shangjing nodded appreciatively and said, "The old man was still worried that you would be carried away by the situation in front of you, but I didn't expect you to still be able to stay calm, it's really rare...... That's right, Junchen, you can have today's achievements, in fact, there is an element of luck. In recent years, there are no outstanding talents in the court, the old man and His Majesty contain each other, only each other in their eyes, and they don't pay enough attention to you...... Therefore, your real political enemies are only the crown prince Zhu and Yu, and those clear streams under the prince! But since the emperor suppressed the Donglin Party, the Qingliu people have become unpopular in terms of strength and means, and the prince's temperament is very upright and very easy to use...... This gives you room to grow calmly! Of course, it is also your ability to fully grasp the opportunity and develop to this point, but more often than not, it is the situation and the environment. ”

Zhou Shangjing's words seemed to underestimate Zhao Junchen, but Zhao Junchen nodded in agreement.

After watching the fighting game between Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing up close, Zhao Junchen knew that his means were still far behind, if Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing deliberately targeted him, Zhao Junchen might not have any power to fight back.

Therefore, Zhao Junchen was able to get to this point, in addition to the mentality of walking on thin ice and his own insight from later generations, the main reason is that Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing contain each other and have no time to take care of themselves.

Zhao Junchen has always been very sober about his understanding.

Zhou Shangjing said again: "However, from now on, the situation will be different!" Because of the prince's rectification of commercial taxes, the old man and His Majesty have reached a secret agreement and suspended the fighting, and after you preside over the rectification of commercial taxes, you will inevitably rise in power, so Your Majesty and the old man will also attach importance to you and will not let go of your every move...... In fact, not only Your Majesty and the old man, but also all forces in the government and the opposition will no longer despise you from now on, and your political enemies will no longer take you lightly! Your every move will be repeatedly speculated, and any of your movements will be closely watched! Therefore, your current situation seems to be very good, but in fact, the environment is more dangerous than before, and if you have a slight mistake, it will be a catastrophe that will not ......be recovered."

Speaking of this, Zhou Shangjing shook his head and sighed lightly, and said: "The old man has spent decades on such days, and it is really very hard...... So, Junchen, do you think that in such a situation, can you still deal with it as calmly as before? ”

Zhao Junchen was silent for a moment, then sighed: "To be honest, the juniors can only do their best, but they don't have much confidence. ”

Zhou Shangjing nodded and fell silent again.

Then, in silence, the two strolled through the night market in Huai'an City, without any more conversation.

Until the moon was on the branches, when the two were about to go back, Zhou Shangjing suddenly asked: "I heard that Your Majesty has received the authority of your West Factory and the Inner Carrier Warehouse?" ”

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's true." ”

"In other words, Your Majesty plans to let you take over the matter of commercial tax rectification?"

Zhao Junchen nodded again and said, "The senior's eyes are like torches, and he can't hide anything from you." ”

"Do you have a plan in mind about the rectification of commercial taxes?"

"There are some."

"Is there an opportunity to work with the old man?" Zhou Shangjing's seemingly dim old eyes suddenly flashed a glimmer of light, and he asked again.

Zhao Junchen suddenly smiled, nodded again and said: "Junchen has shallow qualifications and insufficient ability, and there are many things that need your senior's help. ”

Zhou Shangjing also smiled and nodded, "That's good." ”

After speaking, Zhou Shangjing had already turned around and left.

Zhao Junchen watched Zhou Shangjing leave, only to see that Zhou Shangjing's back was rickety and old, as if he was weak and unwinded, but this back has been standing in the court for decades, so Zhao Junchen never dared to underestimate it.

Zhou Shangjing met with Zhao Junchen today, which seems to be advising Zhao Junchen to be cautious, but the deep meaning is also obvious - the next situation is not as simple as you imagined, and it is not something you can solve alone, so Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing need to cooperate with each other, Zhou Shangjing wants to share the benefits of commercial tax rectification, and at the same time will help Zhao Junchen solve some troubles.

Then, Zhao Junchen simply agreed to Zhou Shangjing's request.

At least, on the surface!

……

…… (To be continued.) )