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Emperor Deqing's desire to support the Seventh Prince's son Zhu Hejian to succeed him as the prince has long been an open secret, but after all, it has not yet become a fait accompli, and there will always be variables before the dust settles.

Therefore, if Zhu Hejian wants to ascend smoothly without danger or danger, he must do the following two things.

First, it is necessary to stay in the center of the capital and accompany Emperor Deqing, not only to consolidate the holy family, but also to respond quickly after encountering unexpected situations;

Second, we must maintain our own image, reduce political enemies, uphold the principle of doing less and making fewer mistakes, and not doing well, and try to reduce the resistance to the upper position;

With the current situation in the temple, as long as Zhu Hejian achieves these two points, he will naturally be able to ascend to the throne smoothly and become the ultimate beneficiary.

And now, Zhou Shangjing is just a few simple words, but it may destroy these two points at the same time - not only to keep the seventh prince Zhu Hejian away from the center of the capital and Emperor Deqing, but also to make Zhu Hejian fall into the quagmire of doing too many things and offending people.

At the same time, Zhou Shangjing also asked the crown prince Zhu Heyu, who had been far away from the center of the temple, to return to the capital ahead of schedule......

These factors are combined, and the matter of the replacement of the prince may be about to be complicated.

Therefore, it is no wonder that the officials were in an uproar after hearing Zhou Shangjing's statement.

At the same time, the officials also speculated one after another - Zhou Shangjing's proposal was obviously intended to deliberately suppress Zhu Hejian's superiority, and he also secretly pulled Zhu Heyu along, could it be ...... Zhou Shangjing is going to blatantly meddle in the dispute between the princes?

Moreover, the object of support that Zhou Shangjing chose is still Zhu Heyu, who is now in danger?

This is obviously an even bigger variable! It's a thunderstorm!

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During this period of time, because of the acquiescence and connivance of Emperor Deqing, Zhu Hejian's temple power can be described as a flying conflict, not only won the support of the vast majority of Qingliu officials, but also a large number of political speculators have surrendered, and took the opportunity to annex most of the forces and henchmen of Shen Changmao, the former cabinet assistant, such as Cheng Yuandao, the cabinet assistant, the young master Zhang Cheng, the Ministry of Rites Shangshu Lin Wei, the right capital of the Imperial Court Lu Chunxiao and other important ministers in the court, have now become his supporters, forming an extremely amazing officialdom force!

To this day, all forces believe that Zhu Hejian's ascension to the throne is the trend of the times, so they call this force "Xintai. sub-party".

If you put aside the real power and only talk about the momentum, "Xintai. The sub-party is not inferior to the Zhou and Zhao parties!

At this time, as Zhou Shangjing's words fell, "Xintai. The officials of the "sub-party" all smelled the smell of danger, and immediately changed their previous taciturnity, and all of them looked angry, and they did not wait for Emperor Deqing to express their opposition.

"Your Majesty, the old minister thinks that Zhou Shoufu's suggestion is very inappropriate! Although His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince has an outstanding reputation and is convincing from all parties, he is only a prince after all, and according to the ancestral teachings of our dynasty, the prince cannot interfere in politics and is not suitable for such a heavy responsibility. ”

Zhou Shangjing's prestige is too heavy, and ordinary officials don't have the courage to take the lead to confront him face to face, and Cheng Yuandao, as an auxiliary minister of the cabinet, naturally has the responsibility to take the lead in standing up and expressing his attitude at this time.

With Cheng Yuandao taking the lead, Lin Wei, Zhang Cheng, Lu Chunxiao and others also echoed one after another.

Zhang Cheng's attitude was very intense, and he said loudly: "Your Majesty, there are no rules, there is no circle, the ancestral training is first, you must not set this precedent!" ”

Lu Chunxiao reasoned with the facts, and raised his voice: "Your Majesty, although the Seventh Prince is of noble character, intelligent and wise, but after all, he is inexperienced, even if he puts aside the sensitive identity of the prince, he can't suddenly be let take on the heavy responsibility without warning!" ”

Subsequently, Lin Wei, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, was even more righteous and Ling Ran: "Your Majesty, the old minister thinks that what Zhou Shoufu said is a big mistake and is suspected of misleading the country!" The old minister admonished him with death, and hoped that His Majesty would punish him for the crime of beleading the public! ”

Zhou Shangjing's proposal was very abrupt, and he did not consult with the "Zhou Party" in advance. The officials of the sub-party expressed their opposition one after another, and there was opposition everywhere in the Taihe Palace, which made Zhou Shangjing's momentum fall behind for a while.

In the past ten years, Zhou Shangjing can be said to be in power and in the opposition, and the scenery is unique, which is rarely seen.

Emperor Deqing was originally annoyed by Zhou Shangjing's speech, after all, he had been paving the way for nearly half a year in order to support Zhu Hejian's ascension, and he was about to succeed, but he didn't expect Zhou Shangjing to suddenly jump out and sing the opposite drama at this time, which made Emperor Deqing more and more angry.

However, seeing "Shin too. After the enthusiastic performance of the "sub-party", Emperor Deqing couldn't help but be stunned in his heart, but he suddenly found that unconsciously, the temple power of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian was so amazing.

"If there is no matter today, I am afraid that I will not be able to see that the influence of Lao Qi's previous dynasty is already so huge, he has not yet become the new prince, so many important ministers of the court can work for him, if he becomes a real prince, I am afraid that his power will further increase, and he may be able to overwhelm Zhou and Zhao in one fell swoop...... Although it is a factor of coincidence, this method is also extraordinary...... But in front of me, he has never shown such means and ambitions......"

While thinking about it, Emperor Deqing's mood became more and more complicated, and he didn't know whether he should be happy or worried for a while.

However, just like Cheng Yuandao, Zhang Cheng and others, Emperor Deqing also did not want Zhu Hejian to be in charge of investigating the affairs of the clan, which was obviously a rotten quagmire, and Zhu Hejian was the heir to the throne favored by Emperor Deqing, and should never get involved in it.

Therefore, Emperor Deqing quickly shifted his attention to Zhou Shangjing's body again, his eyes contained unabated anger, and he stared closely at the changes in Zhou Shangjing's expression, wanting to understand Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts.

In fact, although Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing have been fighting openly and secretly for many years, there are also many tacit understandings between them, the most important of which is that Emperor Deqing will not easily use force against Zhou Shangjing, and Zhou Shangjing will not easily interfere in the change of imperial power.

Over the years, it is precisely because of such a tacit understanding that Zhou Shangjing has never expressed any opinion on the replacement of the prince.

In the eyes of Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing's approach was obviously crossing the line.

It's just that what makes Emperor Deqing feel strange is why an old fox like Zhou Shangjing would suddenly do such a demented thing? Isn't he planning to return to his hometown peacefully?

So, with the "new too. The opposition of the sub-party stopped slightly, and Emperor Deqing said slowly: "What you say is reasonable! Zhou Shoufu's suggestion is indeed a bit absurd, no matter from all aspects, the Seventh Prince is obviously not the right person to investigate the affairs of the clan! …… Zhou Shoufu, didn't you think about the benefits and disadvantages before you made such a suggestion? Or are you old and confused? ”

Emperor Deqing's words were mainly to test Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts, but he was repeatedly provoked by Zhou Shangjing just now, and there was also a bit of a gun and a stick between his words, and there was a faint intention to fight back.

Next, if Zhou Shangjing does not give him a reasonable explanation, then Emperor Deqing may have to reconsider the candidate for the first assistant of the cabinet on the grounds that Zhou Shangjing is already "old and confused".

At this time, in the face of "new too. The opposition of the people, as well as the sarcasm and counterattack of Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing's expression was as calm as ever, and he said slowly: "Your Majesty, the old minister also knows that his advice is a little inappropriate, the identity of the seventh prince is sensitive, and he is inexperienced, so he is not a perfect candidate to investigate the clan...... However, apart from the Seventh Prince, Lao Chen really couldn't think of a more suitable person to be in charge of this matter! ”

After speaking, Zhou Shangjing slowly raised his head, his expression seemed to be smiling, and he looked at the "Xintai. The official of the sub-party said: "Since the twenty-second year of Hongwu, the Zongren Mansion that was originally in charge of clan affairs has been fictitious, and all the affairs of the Zongren Mansion have been transferred to the Ministry of Rites...... Lin Shangshu, you are the head of the Ministry of Rites, if the imperial court wants to investigate the suspected crimes of the clans in various places, it is within your duties, or you will be fully responsible for this matter, okay? ”

As he spoke, Zhou Shangjing's gaze was fixed on Lin Wei, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites.

Lin Wei, who was still impassioned just now, "admonishing him with death", saying that he would severely punish Zhou Shangjing for the crime of "slandering the country with evil words", was suddenly taken aback.

Anyone can understand that the investigation of the clan is a thankless mud pit with endless troubles. The core members of the "sub-party" are certainly unwilling to let the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian get involved in it, and he himself has a respectful attitude.

So, Lin Wei hurriedly shook his head and said, "The lower officials are shallow in their studies and lack of prestige, how can they take on such a heavy responsibility!" What's more, the Ministry of Rites is only responsible for taking charge of the clan register, writing the imperial genealogy, recording the birth and death of the children of the clan members, the succession to the throne, the funeral name, etc., and forwarding the Chen clan's complaint request to His Majesty, and does not have the power and responsibility to convict the clan relatives, so how can it bear this matter? Not to be felt! Not to be felt! ”

Hearing Lin Wei's excuse, Zhou Shangjing did not chase after him, but nodded slightly, and then turned his gaze to several officials of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the Criminal Department, and Dali Temple, and asked: "Now according to the investigation of His Royal Highness the Prince, many of the crimes of the clan are within the scope of the authority of the Three Law Divisions, or how about entrusting the investigation of the clan to a certain important minister of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Dali Temple, and the three major yamen of the Criminal Department?" ”

With Zhou Shangjing's inquiry, several officials of the six doors also turned pale, and hurriedly thanked them and refused.

Among them, Du Bai, the left capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and Zhang Bochong, the secretary of the Criminal Department, were both Zhou Shangjing's cronies, and at this time, they roughly guessed some of Zhou Shangjing's thoughts, and they all came out of the list one after another to cooperate with Zhou Shangjing.

Du Bai took the lead and said: "Zhou Shoufu's words are inappropriate, everyone in the Metropolitan Procuratorate has had close contacts with His Royal Highness the Prince, if the Metropolitan Procuratorate is responsible for taking over this matter, I am afraid that the clans in various places will still be dissatisfied!" ”

After hesitating for a moment, Lu Chunxiao, the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, also said: "Your Majesty, what Lord Du said is reasonable, and this matter is not suitable for the Metropolitan Procuratorate to come forward, and it is not capable of properly handling it. ”

On the other side, Zhang Bochong said: "Your Majesty Mingjian, although the Criminal Department is said to be called the Three Law Divisions with Dali Temple and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, but the powers and responsibilities are somewhat different, the Criminal Department is mainly responsible for the criminal decree and the review of the criminal name, and it is 'big things, small things are done', and now the charges of the clans in various places are still controversial, and the Criminal Department is not suitable to take over this matter!" ”

After hesitating for a moment, Fang Shiwen, the secretary of Dali Temple, who has always been neutral, said a fair word: "Your Majesty, the minister believes that the foreign minister is not suitable to be responsible for investigating the crimes of the clans in various places, and it is inevitable that he is timid and looking ahead, and this matter is still in charge of the clan or relatives after all, which is more appropriate!" ”

After seeing the successive statements of the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Three Law Divisions, Zhou Shangjing nodded lightly again and said to Emperor Deqing: "Your Majesty, this is the situation now, the Ministry of Rites and the Three Law Divisions are not daring and inconvenient to take over this matter, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is rejected by the clans in various places, as for the East and West Second Factory and Jinyiwei, they are quite related to the clans in various places, and it seems that it is not the best choice...... In this way, there are not many suitable candidates, the old minister thought about it, and finally felt that His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince was responsible for taking over this matter, although it was not the most perfect candidate, but it was also the best choice at present, so the old minister would recommend His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince to take over this matter, and hoped that His Majesty would be clear. ”

After hearing Zhou Shangjing's explanation, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but fall silent again.

At the same time, after seeing the reactions of the courtiers, the anger in the heart of Emperor Deqing provoked by Zhou Shangjing became more and more intense, and he only felt that these courtiers were simply irresponsible, and they didn't know how to share their worries at all, and by the way, they also destroyed Emperor Deqing's plan to fight back against Zhou Shangjing.

In particular, the performance of Lin Wei, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, and Lu Chunxiao, the right capital of the Imperial Procuratorate, made Emperor Deqing deeply disappointed - they are obviously supporters of Zhu Hejian, the seventh prince, and it stands to reason that they should stand up bravely for Zhu Hejian at this time, but they still only think about protecting themselves when things come to an end, and they don't think about whether their actions will endanger Zhu Hejian behind them, such insight and responsibility are simply useless!

Emperor Deqing only felt that today's court meeting was simply not going well, and with Zhou Shangjing's repeated disturbances, the situation had completely deviated from his original expectations.

However, Emperor Deqing would not let Zhu Hejian take over the investigation of the clan under any circumstances, otherwise his plan for the replacement of the throne would inevitably be complicated.

Therefore, Emperor Deqing endured the unhappiness in his heart, and after thinking for a while, he suddenly turned his gaze to Zhao Junchen, who had been silent, and wanted to break the deadlock from Zhao Junchen.

So, Emperor Deqing opened his mouth and asked, "Zhao Aiqing, why are you silent?" This is not in line with your past behavior, so tell me what you think. ”

To be honest, today's development of the situation in the early dynasty is not only completely out of the control of Emperor Deqing, but also completely out of Zhao Junchen's expectations.

Since just now, Zhao Junchen has been in a hurry in his heart, thinking about Zhou Shangjing's real goal of such an abnormal performance today, he doesn't think that Zhou Shangjing's repeated deliberate provocations and anger to Emperor Deqing are just untargeted, but Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts are too hidden, and Zhao Junchen can't guess the truth even if he racks his brains this time.

Hearing Emperor Deqing's name, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile bitterly, before he saw the development of the situation, he was really reluctant to express his attitude, for fear that he would be calculated.

Therefore, after Zhao Junchen came out of the ranks, he first pondered for a while, and then put on an attitude of "talking about things": "Your Majesty, the minister thinks that what Zhou Shoufu and his colleagues said is reasonable, and the minister can't make up his mind for a while...... Let's invite His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince to the Taihe Hall and listen to his own meaning? ”

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