Chapter 4064 Leading astray
When Zhang Xingcheng came to visit, Cheng Yaojin treated him generously. Not only did he personally host a banquet, but he also asked his eldest son and second son to accompany him. Considering Zhang Xingcheng's official position and status, this is already a very high standard.
This was because Zhang Xingcheng was the representative of the Shandong family in the court. Otherwise, with Cheng Yaojin's meritorious status, why would he need to give face like this?
Zhang Xingcheng naturally knew this, so even though he was a high official in the imperial court, he was very courteous and complimentary in his words. He kept his arrogance very low. After all, he came today to ask for something, just in case. Cheng Yaojin was offended by his careless words and ordered to expel the guests, which would make him very embarrassed.
After all, when there were fierce battles outside Chang'an City and the situation was at stake, Cheng Yaojin was not firmly on the side of the Shandong family...
Now Cheng Chumo asked in person whether he could be transferred back, which made him extremely dissatisfied.
I have lowered my stance and made it clear that I came here with a request today, so why do you slap me in the face?
Knowing that I, the Minister of the Ministry of War, am useless, still making such a request is simply too deceptive...
Fortunately, before he could speak, Cheng Yaojin stared at his son and scolded his son: "Today Zhang Shangshu is a guest. Even if you have any request, you have to prepare a generous gift and come to ask for it another day. After such a banquet, What is the reason mentioned above? Furthermore, what is the reason for that place in Xinan? The beautiful mountains and rivers and the pleasant climate are a rare good place. As long as you spend a few ideas there and accumulate qualifications, the imperial court will automatically promote you. Why seek transfer in less than a year? Not a bit bitter, useless thing!”
Cheng Chumo looked innocent: "My son is now serving as the captain of Zhechong in Xinan Prefecture in Guizhou. Although the place is relatively simple, the mountains are high, the roads are far away, and the land is full of smoke. It is difficult to fulfill his filial piety in front of his father... It's hard to find some free time. Talent I went home and happened to meet Zhang Shangshu today. It would be best if I could make it easier. If it is difficult to do, just pretend not to say anything. What does it matter? The child is already old, so you can't always blame me! "
Cheng Chuliang, who was beside him, was smiling and serving wine and dishes to Zhang Xingcheng, acting like a guest.
But Zhang Xingcheng can't pretend that he doesn't exist. After all, this is Princess Qinghe's consort and the uncle of His Majesty Li Er...
Feeling ashamed, angry and embarrassed at the same time, he reluctantly held up his hands and said: "Da Lang's invitation is originally an ordinary one. Who told us that we are from the same Shandong lineage, connected by the same clothes and blood? I just ask Da Lang to understand my difficulties. Now that I have just become the Minister of the Ministry of War, I have no idea about the affairs of the Ministry. I will definitely transfer you back to Guanzhong after a while."
He finally understood that it was sheer nonsense that Cheng Dalang had no authority, was rude and straightforward. These three men were trying to give him a blow, lest he trust the Secretary of the Ministry of War and become proud and conceited. What he did at the door today made the whole Cheng family embarrassed. , just plug your mouth back...
There seems to be some misunderstanding.
Cheng Chumo picked up the wine glass and laughed: "My nephew is a vulgar person and is often confused. Today I will punish myself with three glasses of wine. I will definitely come to my door to apologize another day."
After that, drink three glasses in a row.
Zhang Xingcheng had no choice but to pay for a cup...
Cheng Chuliang, who was smiling, also raised his glass: "Brother is upright and upright. If he offends me, it must be unintentional. I hope Zhang Shangshu will forgive me."
The emperor's uncle proposed a toast. Zhang Xingcheng couldn't refuse, so he quickly toasted too...
As soon as he put down the cup, Cheng Yaojin sighed: "I am an ignorant child and don't understand the constraints and intrigues in the officialdom. As a father, I am really ashamed and cannot teach you well. Come, let's have a drink."< br>
Cheng Chuliang kept the wine flask in his hand and immediately filled it with Zhang Xingcheng...
Zhang Xingcheng can be considered a good drinker, but the fine wines in the Cheng family's cellar are basically highly distilled from the Fangjia Winery. After drinking three glasses in a row, he felt like his stomach was on fire, his whole body was hot, and the blood vessels in his forehead bulged with his breathing... …
He had no choice but to block the wine flask that Cheng Chuliang stretched out to pour wine, and said with a wry smile: "To be honest, I came here today because I have something to ask Duke Lu. Let's talk about business first, and then accompany Duke Lu and the two gentlemen to have a good drink, how about it?"
Cheng Yaojin stroked his beard and looked uncertain.
I'm using my power here with explicit hints and hints, just to save you from speaking your mind. How come you don't understand?
No matter what, the Shandong imprint on him cannot be erased. After all, he was supported by the Shandong family back then. Now that the Shandong family has entered the court in large numbers, he can't turn his back on them, right? Therefore, he was extremely careful about all requests from the Shandong aristocratic family and avoided them whenever he could...but he couldn't avoid them today.
You can't just drive Zhang Xingcheng away without saying a word, right?
He could only mutter to himself: "I have been estranged from the court in recent years and gradually handed over military affairs. Many things are really beyond my ability. Even the Zuo Wuwei under my command does not necessarily listen to me. Many things are really out of my will...I don't know the morals. What's the problem? You might as well tell me. If you can help, I'll do it. If you can't do anything, please feel free to blame."
He looks rough, reckless and generous, but in fact he has been cautious all his life and will never fall into the trap of others and suffer big losses...
Zhang Xingcheng just pretended that he didn't understand, sighed, and explained the dilemma he was facing in detail. At the end, he said sincerely: "I have been working in the Shangshu Province in the past. I only know how to work diligently and lack the experience of such a worldly experience. I am not afraid of Duke Lu. It’s a joke, now that I have just arrived at the Ministry of War, I can’t even perform the most basic ministry tasks. If I sign an official document without the consent of the ministers on my left and right, I will be dismissed and thrown into the wastebasket by the clerk... It is really embarrassing. ”
Cheng Chumo and Cheng Chuliang looked at each other, and then their eyes changed.
The two brothers share the same mind, and both admire Fang Jun's skills. When he was in the Ministry of War, the entire Ministry of War was like an arm and a finger, not to mention the top and bottom minds. Now that he has been transferred from the Ministry of War, he still holds the Ministry of War tightly in his hands, no matter what Zhang Xingcheng does. Tried every possible means, but to no avail.
So awesome...
Cheng Yaojin also understood that the Shandong family was eager to enter the court and seize the real power of various ministries. Naturally, the first to bear the brunt was the Ministry of War, which had grown in power in recent years. He thought that with Zhang Xingcheng, the Minister of War, he could take control of the Ministry of War with a few tricks. Unexpectedly, he was kicked on the iron plate. Instead of taking control of the ministry, he was ignored by his subordinates.
This not only had extremely negative consequences for Zhang Xingcheng's own political future, but also set back the Shandong family's progress in controlling power. This was unacceptable, so he came to me today to ask how to break Fang Jun's control of the Ministry of War. Keep the military department in your hands...
His Majesty Li Er concurrently holds the post of Shangshu Ling, and is personally in charge of the entire Shangshu Province. The officials above and below are conscientiously acting in accordance with the rules and regulations. Who dares to make any mistakes? But the Ministry of War is completely different. It involves countless interests of all parties. How can it be so easy to figure out clearly?
After pondering for a long time, Cheng Yaojin said helplessly: "In the officialdom, it is not so much political ideals and governance concepts as it is human sophistication and entangled interests. If the interests are consistent, they will naturally attack and defend each other, advance and retreat together. Fang Jun is looking forward, yes Because their interests are consistent with Fang Jun's, or Fang Jun's benefits to them are far greater than those of you... So don't think about the art of imperial control or try to figure out people's hearts. Just think about it, can you Give more than Fang Jun? ”
Zhang Xingcheng grimaced and shook his head.
With Fang Jun's current influence in the military and political circles, how can he compare to Zhang Xingcheng? Zhang Shigui, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, has a close friendship with Fang Jun. They even almost stood on the East Palace front together before. Even if he begged the old guys from the Shandong family to come forward and force the Ministry of Personnel to transfer Cui Dunli, Liu Shi and others, Fang Jun would look back. Let Zhang Shigui give these people a better place to go.
Even the officials who were transferred to the Ministry of War were not sure whether they were still under Fang Jun...
Under such a situation, who would be afraid of him, the Minister of War?
Cheng Yaojin spoke earnestly: "Furthermore, the Ministry of War is single-handedly controlled by Fang Jun, and Fang Jun is the prince's confidant, which means that the Ministry of War is the only powerful yamen that the prince can influence now... After all, the prince has not been deposed yet. ”
As long as His Majesty's edict to abolish the crown prince has not been issued, the prince will still be the prince.
Since he is a prince, he should have the power and dignity of a prince. Once the only foundation of the prince is touched, who knows whether the usually tolerant prince will go crazy in anger?
Although His Majesty Yi Chu is extremely determined, he must feel guilty towards the Crown Prince. Even if the Crown Prince does a few extraordinary things to protect his own dignity and face, how will His Majesty hold him accountable?
Even Your Majesty himself will be dissatisfied: It is my business to deal with my own son. Why do you outsiders bully my son?
Cheng Chumo nodded aside and said carelessly: "So, whoever provokes the prince at this time will be the one who gets the hammer."
Zhang Xingcheng broke into a cold sweat and almost woke up from the wine.
No wonder the officials of the Ministry of War, big and small, dared to treat him like this, and turned a deaf ear to his words. They were totally emboldened!
He scolded a few words in a low voice, these officials are not taking the matter seriously at all, you said you, they still go their own way; if the matter gets serious, not only will Fang Jun support them, but it may even cause His Majesty's dissatisfaction... This Minister of the Ministry of War sounds glamorous, but he turns out to be a doormat!
"This, this, this... what should I do?"
Zhang Xingcheng was not a person without ideas, but at this moment he was confused.
On the one hand, the big bosses of the Shandong family were forcing him to take control of the Ministry of War as soon as possible, and on the other hand, they easily aroused the dissatisfaction of the prince and even his majesty. How can he bear this kind of anger?
Cheng Yaojin asked his second son to give him more wine, and said quietly: "Listen to me, you have to go back and tell the old people at home that this world belongs to His Majesty, not the Shandong family. Some things should be stopped in moderation. Take your time to figure it out, and if you rush forward greedily, you are likely to fail.”
……
In the end, Zhang Xingcheng failed to escape unscathed. The three Cheng family masters took turns to get him drunk. He vomited several times before letting him go home in the car with the help of his servants.
The father and son of the Cheng family returned to the flower hall to drink tea and sober up. Cheng Chuliang couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty has made up his mind to change his mind. It is the time to suppress and eliminate the forces in the East Palace. If Zhang Xingcheng is tough and rotates the officials of the Ministry of War, your Majesty may not Intervene, and even be happy to see the results... Why did my father do the opposite and deliberately deceive Zhang Xingcheng? ”
Cheng Yaojin drank tea and said slowly: "The matter of Yi Chu is of great importance. It is not only a family matter of your majesty, but also a state matter. How can you abolish it if you want? The prince has been sitting steadily for so many years. He is definitely not what he looks like from the outside. Weak power , otherwise you think that His Majesty is just afraid of Fang Jun, so he is slow to do so? Zongzong succession is the law of the world. Once His Majesty's edict to abolish the throne is issued, I don't know how many people will fight for it. "
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Cheng Chu asked silently: "Is there something else going on with Yi Chu?"
Cheng Yaojin put down his tea cup, lay back on the chair, and said with squinted eyes: "There are no absolutes in the world, who knows? Our Cheng family can't choose sides now and take all the chances. Instead, we must make a just gesture and treat the prince. , the king of Wei, and the king of Jin must treat each other equally.”
If you don't make choices, you will make fewer mistakes.
Although this will lead to a sharp drop in future profits, at the moment the situation is unpredictable, it is extremely foolish to consider interests, and it is only right to complete the transition of imperial power steadily.
I just don’t know if this side helped the East Palace and stabilized Zhang Xingcheng, so that the Ministry of War is still under the control of the East Palace. Will it help the prince stabilize his position?
At least the prince must remember our contribution... (End of chapter)