Chapter 494. Turmoil (5).

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Let's not talk about the changes in the minds of Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen.

However, it was said that when Emperor Deqing summoned Zhao Junchen, the major forces in the DPRK and China also inquired about the details of Zhao Junchen's assassination.

In this regard, the major forces in the DPRK and China also have their own thoughts and preparations.

*

Zhou Mansion.

Since Zhou Shangjing lost his position as the first assistant to the cabinet, acted more and more low-key, and always blindly cooperated with Emperor Deqing's statement these days, Zhou Shangjing's mansion has gradually become a little deserted, and it is no longer like the usual lively scene in the past, and many wall-headed officials do not often come to the Zhou Mansion to run around and ask Zhou Shangjing for peace and favor as before, but the Shen Changmao Mansion not far away is becoming more and more lively.

Zhou Shangjing's momentum seems to be a lot colder, but everyone with a discerning eye can see that although Zhou Shangjing has lost the position of first assistant, his power has not decreased, and the core members of the "Zhou Party" are still loyal to him, and his low-key attitude at this time is just a latent one.

On this day, Zhou Shangjing was originally handling court affairs in the palace Chinese Yuan Pavilion, and after learning about Zhao Junchen's assassination, Zhou Shangjing was keenly aware of the various subsequent effects of this matter, so he immediately sent people to investigate the truth of this matter, and he also returned to the mansion to sit in town and pay close attention to the changes in the situation.

After the detailed information about Zhao Junchen's assassination spread, Zhang Bochong, the secretary of the Criminal Department, quickly asked to meet Zhou Shangjing and reported the latest progress of the case to Zhou Shangjing.

"Ge Lao, according to Lord Zhao, the person who assassinated him was a short and stout man with a Shanxi accent, with a black mole on the right face, skillful, fierce, and seemed to be a habitual offender, after receiving the news, the criminal department immediately conducted an investigation, and found the identity of this person in the case file, the murderer's name is Zhang Wei, originally from a military family, and later gathered some green-skinned scoundrels, and became a horse thief near Taihang Mountain, burning, killing, looting and doing countless evils, but he was vigilant and uncertain. So the local yamen has not been able to help him, until a few days ago to find his traces, and sent a garrison to exterminate it, but unfortunately this Zhang Wei escaped alone, did not fall into the net, and has since lost his trace, but I didn't expect him to come to the capital, and also assassinated Lord Zhao......"

In the study, Zhang Bochong reported to Zhou Shangjing in detail.

After Zhou Shangjing listened to Zhang Bochong's report, his old face did not have any expression fluctuations, he just shook his head and said: "The specific identity and past experience of the murderer are just an insignificant trivial matter, and the old man doesn't care, the old man just wants to know the identity of the person behind the murderer!" In this regard, you criminal department should take a lot of pain, besides......"

Speaking of this, Zhou Shangjing glanced at Zhang Bochong, his tone softened slightly, and said: "When the Criminal Department arrests the murderer, it must cooperate more with Shuntianfu, if you can catch the murderer first, you might as well give this credit to Shuntianfu, because of the assassination of Zhao Junchen, Xue Gui, as the Yin of Shuntianfu, I am afraid that he will encounter a lot of difficulties, but he also needs this credit to stabilize his position, you and I need to help him a little more...... What do you think? ”

Zhang Bochong's eyes flashed slightly, and he seemed to be a little reluctant, after all, Zhao Junchen's assassination had a great impact, and the credit after solving the case was also high, if he could lead the Criminal Department to solve the case, he, the new secretary of the Criminal Department, would also be able to quickly establish his prestige and completely stabilize the position of the Criminal Department, on the contrary, if he wanted to cede this credit to Shuntian Mansion, Zhang Bochong would also spend a lot of energy to appease the officials of the Criminal Department, and between the pros and cons, he knew it at a glance.

However, after all, Zhang Bochong was a person who took the overall situation into account, and he also knew the importance of Shuntian Mansion to Zhou Shangjing, so after hesitating for a moment, he still lowered his head and said: "Obey the instructions of the elder pavilion, and the Criminal Department will definitely fully cooperate with Shuntian Mansion in investigating the case in the future." ”

Zhou Shangjing was keenly aware of Zhang Bochong's reluctance, but said: "The old man also knows what Bochong is difficult about, but there are priorities, this time I will temporarily wronged you, however, Xue Gui has served as the Yin of Shuntian Mansion for many years, and he has the most extensive connections in the capital, if you can help Xue Gui survive the difficulties, I think Xue Gui will also repay you, with some Xue Gui's support, it will be much more convenient for you to do things in the capital in the future, but you don't have to worry too much about the immediate gains and losses." ”

Zhang Bochong hurriedly said: "Old Zhou Ge, you are serious, Master Xue and I are both your disciples, and it is also appropriate to support each other, and the lower officials will naturally not care." ”

After speaking, Zhang Bochong seemed to think of something again, and suddenly said in a low voice: "Pavilion Elder, the lower officials heard a statement that the assassination of Lord Zhao was related to the rectification of commercial taxes in the imperial court, and it seems that someone did not want to see Zhao Junchen rectify commercial taxes, so he sent someone to assassinate him...... And Shen Changmao, the first assistant of the cabinet, has always been a leading figure who opposes the rectification of commercial taxes, because of the competition for the officials of the 'Yellow Party', he had a conflict with Zhao Junchen in public last night, and with Shen Changmao's temperament, he must have hated Zhao Junchen deeply......"

Speaking of this, Zhang Bochong's tone was mysterious, and he said tentatively: "Elder Ge, do you say that when we are investigating the case, should we use some means to implicate Shen Changmao in the case?" In this way, Shen Changmao's position as the first assistant will be shaken, and perhaps it will return to your hands......"

After hearing Zhang Bochong's temptation, Zhou Shangjing's seemingly dim old eyes flashed slightly, and he seemed to be a little moved.

In fact, after hearing about Zhao Junchen's assassination, Zhou Shangjing immediately had such an idea.

However, Zhou Shangjing finally shook his head and said: "The matter of fighting for power and factionalism, let's put it aside for the time being, now that the situation in the court is unstable, we can't patronize each other's calculations, as ministers of the court, the top priority is to help Your Majesty stabilize the situation, if the situation in the court is chaotic again and again, and it will eventually be out of control, there will be no long-term benefits for us people......"

Speaking, Zhou Shangjing's old eyes flashed with wisdom, and he continued: "What's more, the old man gave up the position of the first assistant of the cabinet to Shen Changmao, but it was also deliberate, the current situation is quite complicated, and the matter of commercial tax rectification will cause a series of changes…… After this potato is not so hot, the old man will naturally take it back, but the time is not yet ripe......"

After hearing Zhou Shangjing's explanation, a trace of admiration flashed in Zhang Bochong's eyes, which was not only to admire Zhou Shangjing's long-term vision, but also to admire Zhou Shangjing's way of being a minister.

Don't look at Zhou Shangjing as a powerful minister in the court, he has done a lot of things over the years such as fighting for power and profit, suppressing dissidents, forming parties and running private interests, but unlike several other powerful ministers in the court, Zhou Shangjing will take into account the overall situation of the court whenever and wherever he is, and he has always had a bottom line in doing things, and he knows how to combine his own interests with the interests of the court, which may be the real reason why Zhou Shangjing has been able to control the situation in the government and the opposition over the years!

And just when Zhang Bochong agreed, Zhou Shangjing said: "However, although the old man will not deliberately use this matter to target Shen Changmao, Zhao Junchen may not be able to say it, with his temperament, he will inevitably take this opportunity to make waves and make a big move...... That's it, we don't have to get involved in this matter, just let Zhao Junchen deal with Shen Changmao, but we can't let Shen Changmao go too smoothly in the position of first assistant......"

Saying that, Zhou Shangjing's expression gradually became cautious, and he seriously exhorted Zhang Bochong: "Therefore, in the next period of time, no matter how the situation in the court changes, you don't pay attention to it, just concentrate on investigating the case, and you must thoroughly investigate this matter!" The old man always felt that the assassination of Zhao Junchen was by no means so simple, and the truth hidden behind the scenes may be more important than Shen Changmao's matter! ”

Recently, Zhou Shangjing always felt that there was a hidden force surging in the court, and it seemed that the plot was not small, but Zhou Shangjing had never been able to find the root of this hidden force, which made Zhou Shangjing's heart more and more vigilant.

Now, Zhou Shangjing faintly feels that Zhao Junchen's assassination may have something to do with this hidden force!

*

At the same time that Zhou Shangjing was teaching Zhang Bochong face-to-face, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian also received the detailed news of Zhao Junchen's assassination.

Still in the study of the Seven Princes' Mansion, Zhu Hejian had lost the mood to practice calligraphy, and just stared coldly at Qin Xi in front of him, with a faint murderous surge in his eyes.

It's just that Qin Xi was kneeling in front of Zhu Hejian with his head down at this time, but he couldn't see the change in Zhu Hejian's expression.

"The person who assassinated Zhao Junchen was a short man with a Shanxi accent, and before he assassinated Zhao Junchen, Zhao Junchen had a private meeting with Zhao Shancai...... Interesting, I remember that the assassin you found to assassinate Zhao Shancai was named Zhang Wei, who was born as a horse thief in Taihang Mountain? Also short and stocky, with a black mole on the right side of his face? What a coincidence, it turned out to be exactly the same! ”

After staring at Qin Xi for a moment, Zhu Hejian finally spoke.

Hearing Zhu Hejian's inquiry, Qin Xi's body trembled slightly, knowing that he had not only messed up his errand, but also caused great trouble to the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian, so he no longer had the calm and calm he had in the past, and he was quite flustered in his heart.

However, although he was flustered, Qin Xi still reported the news he knew to Zhu Hejian in detail, and replied: "Your Highness, the characteristics of the murderer who assassinated Zhao Junchen are indeed completely consistent with Zhang Wei...... I'm afraid that this incident was indeed done by Zhang Wei, it should be that Zhang Wei recognized the wrong person, and when he assassinated Zhao Shancai, he mistakenly mistook Zhao Junchen for Zhao Shancai, and secretly followed the assassination, so it caused today's incident. ”

Zhu Hejian laughed angrily and said, "You promised me that the assassination of Zhao Shancai would be foolproof, this is what you call foolproof?" How important is the assassination of Zhao Shancai? When you're looking for people, can't you look for people with eyes? ”

Zhu Hejian was angry, but his tone was still slow and low.

Hearing Zhu Hejian's reprimand, Qin Xi's body trembled slightly, but he didn't dare to refute anything, just lowered his head to listen to the training.

Seeing Qin Xi like this, Zhu Hejian became more and more dissatisfied with him.

As if thinking that he was just wasting time by reprimanding Qin Xi, Zhu Hejian's expression became more and more cold, but he changed the topic and asked, "Now that the matter is over, how do you plan to save the situation?" ”

Qin Xi hurriedly replied: "The subordinates have already asked people to secretly search for the traces of Zhang Wei and Zhang Zhantang, and after discovering them, the subordinates will immediately kill them and destroy them, and will never let them fall into the hands of the government." ”

Seeing that Qin Xi still understood the urgency after all, Zhu Hejian's face softened a little, and said, "You personally lead someone to handle this matter!" Don't make any more mistakes! ”

Hearing Zhu Hejian's order, Qin Xi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and hurriedly promised: "Please also ask Your Highness to trust your subordinates again again, your subordinates will never make any mistakes this time!" ”

After speaking, after Qin Xi saluted Zhu Hejian, he got up and left Zhu Hejian's study, but he was ready to personally lead people to do things.

Looking at Qin Xi's departing back, Zhu Hejian's eyes became more and more cold.

Suddenly, Zhu Hejian spoke: "Jalen! ”

As Zhu Hejian's voice fell, a young eunuch pushed the door and entered, standing in front of Zhu Hejian with his hands down, his expression respectful, but his eyes were indifferent.

This young eunuch is not good-looking, but he has served Zhu Hejian for many years, his name is Jia Lun, he has always been in charge of Zhu Hejian's liaison with the inner court, and is Zhu Hejian's real confidant.

"This Qin Xi, as well as those under Qin Xi, and of course the outlaw named Zhang Wei, can't stay, notify the inner court and let them help solve this matter!" Zhu Hejian said.

Jalen didn't say much, just nodded in understanding, and then turned away.

The crown prince Zhu Heyu has never been waiting to see the inner court, thinking that all dynasties have eunuchs and disasters to the country, and the situation in the Ming Dynasty has been particularly serious for hundreds of years, so his attitude towards the inner court is quite harsh, and Zhu Hejian took the opportunity to start, and many powerful eunuchs in the inner court, after many years of operation, has initially received the support of the inner court, and even Liu Qing of the inner court also adheres to a tacit attitude towards this matter.

Especially the East Factory, to a large extent, has been under the control of Zhu Hejian, Zhu Hejian has many shady things, all of which are covered up with the help of the East Factory, and even the East Factory himself is doing it, and it is precisely because of this that many of Zhu Hejian's actions have not been noticed.

It's just that Zhu Hejian has always been cautious, and he will never easily use this power in the capital where the forces are intertwined and all eyes are everywhere.

However, now, in order to cover up his flaws, Zhu Hejian can only use the power of Dongchang.

If nothing else, whether it is Qin Xi or Zhang Wei, they will soon disappear completely.

It's just that Zhu Hejian is still faintly uneasy, and always feels that although he made a decision on the spot, there should be a follow-up to this matter.

Therefore, Zhu Hejian sat in the study, his expression was quite deep, constantly considering the subsequent changes.

Zhu Hejian felt that he should leave another way back!

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PS: 2-in-1 big chapter, more will be updated tomorrow.

…… (To be continued.) )