The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 286 Capital City
Beijing.

Wenhua Hall.

The emperor stared at the memorial that had already been approved by the cabinet, his fingers gripping it so tightly they turned white.

The emperor himself hasn't even seen it, yet his ministers have already approved it. How can such a thing be so reasonable?

The retired emperor is going too far.

At his age, he still clings to power and plays power games his whole life. Does he really want the Great Zhou Dynasty to be buried with him?
Thinking of the internal and external troubles and constant problems that had plagued the Great Zhou Dynasty in recent years, the emperor felt increasingly resentful.

A few years ago, when his own people made mistakes in the fight against Japanese pirates in the southeast, the retired emperor was relentless and took the opportunity to make trouble, showing no regard for the overall situation. Last year, when Zhang Jifu made a mistake in Liaodong, the retired emperor showed favoritism towards him and let him off lightly.

There was also the imperial examination system.

The imperial examinations were handed over to Zhang Jifu and his men.

He was unable to utter a sound in the court and had no right to even handle memorials.

The retired emperor adopted the reign title Shunzheng for himself.

Am I not upright enough?

I've been in this position for eighteen years now, when will it ever end?

The emperor could no longer contain himself and threw the memorial in his hand to the ground, wishing he could overturn the imperial desk, but in the end he restrained himself.

"Oh!"

The emperor slammed his hand on the table.

"emperor."

Prince Chungshun frowned.

Cabinet official Liu Ru showed a concerned look in his eyes.

"The great victory at Datong was largely thanks to Wang Xin, who helped Zhang Jifu a lot. He's a really good man."

The emperor controlled his temper and said in a sarcastic tone.

The retired emperor is indeed old.

But his eye for people is still sharp.

Before him was Zhou Daofeng, and after him was Zhang Jifu.

Although Zhang Jifu was not as good as Zhou Daofeng, with the help of the retired emperor, his slight shortcomings were nothing.

For example, when Zhang Jifu suffered a setback in Liaodong last year, if it weren't for the support of the retired emperor, I certainly wouldn't have let Zhang Jifu get away with it so easily. As a result, Zhang Jifu regained his prestige today by using Wang Xin.

Zhang Jifu was even more radical in his actions than Zhou Daofeng.

He even dared to ignore himself.

If it were his mentor Zhou Daofeng, even though Zhou Daofeng was the Emperor Emeritus's man, he would not dare to break the rules and would never dare to overstep them.

The emperor couldn't help but feel nervous.

Could Zhang Jifu's attitude be due to the Emperor Emeritus's assignment?

Has the retired emperor decided to depose himself?

The more the emperor thought about it, the more terrified he became. He could only look to his uncle, Prince Zhongshun, and his husband, Grand Secretary Liu Ru.

Zhang Jifu left no room for compromise in his actions.

Many ministers in the court who outwardly supported the retired emperor but secretly left room for maneuver with the emperor, or even privately pledged allegiance to him, now dare not reveal their true intentions.

If he slips up and Zhang Jifu discovers his true colors, he will show no mercy.

Although the emperor was dissatisfied, there was nothing he could do.

As a result, the situation in the imperial court changed drastically. If Zhang Jifu had not suffered a setback in Liaodong last year, he would probably have been even more arrogant.

“Zhang Jifu has been promoting his cronies and appointing his own people, eliminating dissidents. In a few years, the entire court will be his people. Look at Wang Xin, who was once Lin Ruhai’s man, but he has sided with Zhang Jifu.”

The emperor said dejectedly.

Prince Zhongshun knew of Lin Ruhai, but they hadn't dealt with each other for many years.

Liu Ru shook his head and said, "Lin Ruhai is loyal to the Emperor. The fact that he vouched for Wang Xin shows that he trusts Wang Xin. With Lin Ruhai's judgment, this person would not betray him."

Prince Zhongshun retorted, "You can know a person's face but not their heart. Wang Xin doesn't even show mercy to his clan leader. He can turn his back on them in an instant. He doesn't care about the Wang family, let alone Lin Ruhai."

Not only the emperor knew of Wang Xin, but Prince Zhongshun also frequently heard his name.

This person's talent is undeniable.

Although Prince Chungshun did not directly participate in military affairs, he was no stranger to them.

Don't say anything else.

Given Wang Ziteng's status and position, and the fact that he had supported him, Wang Ziteng ultimately failed to bring down Feng Yong and instead lost first.

What about Wang Xin?
He actually managed to pull through, tripping Feng Yong in the process.

To be tripped up rather than knocked down.

Although Zhang Jifu was the one who made the final decision, without Wang Xin's role, Zhang Jifu wouldn't have been able to exert his influence and suppress Feng Yong.

Prince Chungshun was somewhat dissatisfied with Wang Xin, but his tone was indifferent.

Ultimately, it's a larger piece.

"I know that Lin Ruhai was his mentor. Considering my relationship with Lin Ruhai, I tried to win over General Jia She and General Jia Zhen, who were not influential enough. I also gave Prince Teng a chance. But despite my efforts, he showed me no respect whatsoever."

After saying that, Prince Chungshun chuckled twice.

The emperor looked ugly.

My uncle did everything he could.

He avoided direct contact with Wang Xin to prevent putting Wang Xin in a difficult position. After all, given the current state of affairs in the court, even if he were the emperor, he could only be considerate of his subordinates.

Wang Xin lived in the Jia family mansion.

Prince Teng was also his clan leader.

In addition, there's Lin Ruhai's connection.

Everyone says Wang Xin is a smart man, yet he won't even give him a chance to get close. Nobody believes he didn't do it on purpose.

Liu Ru hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

The civil and military officials are not in harmony.

It wasn't just about the retired emperor's side, such as Zhang Jifu and Zhu Wei.

There has to be a winner and a loser, and a decision on who will be in charge.

Before Prince Zhongshun returned, including Luo Ming who had already sacrificed his life, they all respected their Grand Secretary. Although the situation was unfavorable, they were still able to maintain harmony.

It's different now.

Liu Ru understood perfectly.

It was impossible for him to have a harmonious relationship with Prince Chungshun.

Even if he bows his head, Prince Chungshun will continue to target him, making it clear to those below him.

Unless he abandons his dignity and joins Prince Chungshun's faction.

Liu Ru would not do that, and the emperor would not agree, even though the emperor no longer has much power.

Right now, I have to speak up for Lin Ruhai.

If Lin Ruhai also loses the emperor's trust because of Prince Zhongshun, then they will truly have suffered a complete defeat.

"Wang Ziteng is a fickle and despicable person."

"Jia She and Jia Zhen are taking advantage of the Emperor. I believe that Prince Zhongshun, with his discerning eye, must have seen through their plans."

Liu Ruxian spoke politely to Prince Zhongshun.

Then he looked at the emperor.

“The three branches of the Jia family will never easily change their ways. If the emperor really wants to use the Jia family, he can only use Jia Zheng. Even if he wants to win over Wang Xin, he will have to arrange for Jia Zheng to come forward.”

Liu Ru looked genuinely sincere.

Although the emperor was cold-hearted and ungrateful, I had watched him grow up since I was a child. But as the emperor's tutor, I only lived for the emperor.

The emperor was moved by Liu Ru's tone.

If the emperor didn't understand his mentor's feelings, how could he not know? He just couldn't care less about that now.

Use people wisely and virtuously.

Although my mentor is my mentor, he is not talented enough.

Prince Chungshun turned the tide; in such a situation, he was able to stabilize the situation and prevent it from completely collapsing. I must rely on Prince Chungshun.

Besides, Prince Chungshun was his uncle.

The emperor's gaze fell on Prince Chungshun, who smiled.

"I know that Prince Teng is a scoundrel blinded by self-interest. I am also aware of the reputation of the Rong and Ning mansions. They are using me, but I am also using them."

Prince Chungshun explained, "In the current situation, apart from Mr. Liu, how many people can truly be loyal to the Emperor?"

The emperor sighed.

When Liu Ru heard that Prince Zhongshun had given him a hand, he was amazed. Prince Zhongshun was truly shrewd and experienced.

"hateful!"

"hateful!"

"I have shown such goodwill to the Jia family, and I have been more than kind to them. Although I do not like the Jia family's daughter, I have still given her the title of Imperial Concubine and the honor of visiting her family. Yet the Jia family, relying on the legacy of their ancestors, has acted so disloyally and unjustly."

The emperor gritted his teeth.

Prince Zhongshun and Liu Ru offered no advice or further explanation. To discuss national righteousness with a family like the Jia household would be pedantic; their only concern was personal gain.

Once the emperor calmed down, Prince Zhongshun said, "We can't rush things now. We just need to persevere. Perseverance is victory."

Liu Ru nodded.

The emperor, aware of his own advantage, showed a worried expression, "I'm afraid..."

“So we can offer the bargaining chips that the Emperor Emeritus can’t offer,” Prince Zhongshun said confidently. “If Zhang Jifu wants to consolidate military power and control the court, then we will win over the princes, nobles and generals.”

The Prince of Dongping in Liaodong, the Prince of Nan'an in Yunnan, and the Prince of Xining in the Northwest.

The Jia family was half-hearted, trying to win over both sides.

Including Zhu Wei.

Even if Zhu Wei is the Emperor Emeritus's man, since Zhang Jifu wants to suppress his military power, he can try to win him over.

The retired emperor wanted to use civil administration to control the military and to centralize power in the court.
That gave them an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Liu Ru seemed lost in thought.

In that case, wouldn't the court infighting of yesteryear be returning?

The Japanese invasion should not have lasted for decades.

Every time they were about to achieve complete victory, unexpected events would occur, causing the Japanese pirates to recur repeatedly.

Although Liu Ru knew about Prince Zhongshun's actions, he was helpless and could not stop him. The emperor would also support Prince Zhongshun, just as the retired emperor had done.

The emperor nodded repeatedly.

As long as the court is not entirely controlled by Zhang Jifu, his throne will not be in danger, unless the retired emperor directly launches an attack, but that is not the style of the retired emperor.

Everything else is fine, except for one thing.

The emperor frowned and said, "The fact that even the two stone lions in front of the Jia family gate are clean shows how bad things are. I endured my disgust to bestow the title of Imperial Concubine upon the Jia family's daughter and granted her the honor of visiting her family home, yet the Jia family treats me like this. I simply cannot swallow this insult."

Prince Zhongshun and Liu Ru remained silent.

Prince Zhongshun looked down on the behavior of the eldest sons of the Ningguo and Rongguo mansions.

Liu Ru didn't speak, because the emperor wasn't talking about Jia Zheng, and if he were to help, he would only help the second branch of the Rongguo Mansion.

There are three roads leading to the Jia family mansion.

Then you have to bear the consequences; there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Even though Jia Zhen and Jia She were Jia Zheng's brothers and nephews, they were like strangers in official circles, and they didn't recognize each other as Jia Zhen or Jia She.

Seeing that neither of them objected, the emperor finally found something to vent his anger on.

"I don't want people outside to laugh at me. Although I've heard from people in the palace that Consort Xiande has always been quiet, I won't allow even the slightest possibility of such a thing happening. I intend to..."

The emperor had not yet finished speaking.

Liu Ru and Prince Zhongshun had already guessed the emperor's thoughts.

The emperor wanted revenge.

Liu Ru looked at Prince Zhongshun.

Prince Chungshun interrupted without hesitation, saying, "No."

The emperor was stunned.

"Wang Xin did not pledge allegiance to Zhang Jifu."

Prince Chungshun was able to distinguish between what was important and what was not.

Although he was willing to attack Lin Ruhai, it was only as a precaution, and there was no need to treat him as a political enemy at present, so he quickly explained.

“Wang Xin has troops under his command and connections with Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng. If needed, we can use their connections to win him over. There is still a chance. We can’t let Wang Xin completely fall into Zhang Jifu’s hands.”

There are no secrets in the capital.

Initially, many people thought that Wang Xin was Zhang Jifu's man.

But a misunderstanding is a misunderstanding.

Who is whose person is not just empty talk, but involves real-world interests.

For example, people below send gifts to people above them.

For example, superiors can promote subordinates.

Wang Xin was not one of Zhang Jifu's men.

Many people have seen it clearly.

The exact nature of their relationship has sparked much speculation.

Even if Wang Xin is a chess piece, he's a relatively large one.

Prince Chungshun did not intend to push the matter to someone else's side without a reason; he would always find an opportunity to try and, ideally, bring it under his control.

"Ok."

The emperor sighed.

He values ​​his reputation most. What if the daughter of the Jia family is also a bad person, and he has fallen for her and she has given birth to a prince? What would he do then?
So we've never really met in person.

She was just a female official.

If it weren't for currying favor with the Jia family, how could she have risen to the rank of Imperial Concubine?

He wouldn't even let a merchant's daughter into the palace.

Even if this woman is a descendant of Xue Gong, the Ziwei Attendant.

Since Wang Xin still has value, let's bear with him for now.

The emperor said no more.

Over the years, I've come to realize something.

No matter how many civil officials you win over, when it comes to matters at hand, you still have to rely on the army.

When Luo Ming was still around, he held a portion of military power, which was the most relaxed time for him. But once he lost that power, the hardship began.

Therefore, Zhang Jifu did not do anything wrong.

He could see that the key was to start by seizing military power. I heard that when this person was in Nanjing, he initially controlled a Nanjing army, so he had a high reputation and great power in Nanjing.

Although I have lived half my life, I have learned many lessons through trial and error because no one taught me.

The emperor was somewhat annoyed.
-
The retired emperor stood on the platform, leaning against the jade railing, gazing at the setting sun in a daze.

Zhang Jifu followed respectfully behind him.

a long time.

The retired emperor withdrew his gaze and, seeing the ease on Zhang Jifu's face, couldn't help but find it amusing.

Because Wang Xin won the battle.

Thinking of Wang Xin, the retired emperor became somewhat unhappy again.

"You'll have to wait a bit before you try to split up the Eastern Army."

Zhang Jifu raised his head, wondering why the Emperor Emeritus objected.

The four armies of the Beijing Garrison.

Because of the campaign to destroy the Japanese pirates in the south two years ago, with the support of the retired emperor, Zhu Wei of the Eastern Army led a large army, absorbing the elites of the other three armies, and became the strongest army in the capital garrison. The other three armies combined were no match for the Eastern Army.

It was not only to consolidate military power, but also to guard against Zhu Wei, and even more so, it was for Zhu Wei's benefit.

The Zhu family father and son held such an Eastern Army in their hands.

The current retired emperor may not care, but his successor will not.

The imperial court also couldn't sleep.

Do civil officials have to be mindful of the whims of military officers?

“Wang Xin said he would pacify the Hu in three years, but only half a year has passed and he has already achieved such a great victory. He has gained a good advantage. I’m afraid it won’t take three years. Let’s wait for him to pacify the Hu first, so as not to cause any unexpected problems.”

"It is Wang Xin's good fortune that the sage values ​​him so highly."

Zhang Jifu laughed.

The retired emperor shook his head.

"Once he wins the battle, you'll all be waiting to divide the spoils, so do as he says."

Zhang Jifu was utterly shocked.

I do not know the Emperor Emeritus's thoughts.

The retired emperor was too lazy to explain.

This child is different from what I expected.

Too loyal.

This person has no respect for the emperor.

That's the case.

Then let him win.

How long can one live? One must think about one's reputation after death. If one can truly quell the barbarian threat and recover thousands of miles of territory, it will ultimately be one's own achievement, recorded in one's own merit book.

Since you're going to be a loyal subject of the Great Zhou, then don't complain.

The retired emperor sneered.

(End of this chapter)