The reason why Wei Zhongxian was able to accomplish things in his previous life was, firstly, because of the favor of Emperor Tianqi; secondly, because the Donglin Party killed the Qi, Zhejiang, Chu and other parties too harshly, causing these people to directly defect to Wei Zhongxian, so Wei Zhongxian had such great power.
To put it bluntly, the factional struggle between the eunuch party and the Donglin party was actually a struggle within the civil service group.
Other factions outside the Donglin Party promoted Wei Zhongxian. Rather than saying they had surrendered to Wei Zhongxian, it would be more accurate to say they used Wei Zhongxian as a shield and used him as a pawn, while taking advantage of the emperor's trust in Wei Zhongxian to do what they wanted.
It was impossible for Wei Zhongxian to achieve that now. It was impossible for Zhu Youxiao to clear out all the ministers in the court and let some of them join Wei Zhongxian.
Then all the work I did before was in vain?
So Wei Zhongxian was no match either.
How about letting my father-in-law take over the Ministry of Internal Affairs?
But my father-in-law is too incompetent. Even if there are people he promoted, they will probably be led astray by others and eventually nothing will be left of them.
Then there is no one here! Who can be this big target?
Just when Zhu Youxiao was having a headache, Empress Zhang came quietly from behind.
She gently came to Zhu Youxiao and asked, "Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"
Looking up, he saw Empress Zhang coming. Zhu Youxiao reached out and pulled her over, saying, "It's quite cold today. I'll be there tonight. Why is Baozhu still here? Don't catch a cold."
Hearing His Majesty's caring words and feeling his gentle gaze, Empress Zhang showed a bright smile on her face.
Since entering the palace, I have been living a comfortable life. His Majesty dotes on me, and I can say that I am the most favored among all the concubines. His Majesty even took me out of the palace, and some people even said that I was favored too much.
However, Empress Zhang quite enjoyed this feeling, but of course she still had to be careful on the surface.
Empress Zhang was a little embarrassed when Zhu Youxiao pulled her to sit on his lap. Although this was not the first time, she was still a little shy.
Empress Zhang shifted her body and said, "How can my body be so precious?"
"That won't do. Baozhu is my treasure. There can't be any mistakes." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.
"Your Majesty is making fun of me." Empress Zhang said coquettishly.
"Okay, okay, I know you are fine so why don't you come over? Tell me what's the matter!" Zhu Youxiao put his arm around Empress Zhang's waist and said with a chuckle.
"It's not the Prince of Fu's Mansion's business." Empress Zhang said helplessly, "Today, Concubine Zheng came over, and she brought Prince of Fu with her. She said she brought a troupe of opera performers from the south to the palace to entertain Your Majesty."
"They are not quiet." Zhu Youxiao snorted coldly.
The Prince of Fu here is of course not the emperor’s uncle, the old Prince of Fu, but Zhu Yousong, who was of the same generation as Zhu Youxiao, and later the Emperor of Southern Ming.
Ever since Prince Fu went to Beijing, Concubine Zheng no longer stayed in the harem all day long. She went to Empress Zhang more frequently than Zhu Youxiao, bringing her gifts all day long.
Zhu Youxiao also knew what she wanted to do, and that was fear.
Both my son and grandson were forced to go to the capital. When they die, isn't it just a matter of a word from me?
Concubine Zheng was also feeling guilty. It can be said that when you are under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.
"What kind of opera troupe are you sending to the palace?" Zhu Youxiao said impatiently, "I just don't like to listen to it."
Empress Zhang said, "It is said that this is from the Suzhou Opera House. If Your Majesty is bored, why not give it a listen? After all, it is a token of Concubine Zheng's kindness."
"Why are you speaking for them?" Zhu Youxiao said, looking at Empress Zhang.
"I'm not speaking for them." Empress Zhang looked at Zhu Youxiao. "I'm just worried that Your Majesty shouldn't push Prince Fu too far when he comes to the capital. If someone dies, it will damage Your Majesty's reputation."
Zhu Youxiao glanced at Empress Zhang and said unhappily, "Is someone gossiping about you again?"
Ever since he favored Empress Zhang, people outside have been drilling holes in doors to pass messages inside. It can be said that cats have their own ways and mice have their own ways, and the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their magical powers.
Looking at Empress Zhang's expression, it was obvious that someone had said something nonsense.
"Your Majesty, it's not that anyone is gossiping, but some people outside say that Your Majesty is too strict." Empress Zhang said in a soft tone.
Zhu Youxiao instantly understood the meaning of this sentence.
People outside don't just say I'm harsh. I guess I'm not far from being a tyrant.
This killing spree frightened many people, and they began to accuse themselves of something.
Tyrant, incompetent ruler, whether you have done such things or not, the hat will be put on you first. If you care about your reputation, you will have some scruples.
This way, they have a lot more room to maneuver. It must be said that this trick has always worked for them.
Zhu Youxiao fell into deep thought, this matter needed to be changed.
My reputation can be bad, but I can't let them ruin it like this. If it gets ruined in this way, it won't be good.
Prince Fu, reputation, royal family, scapegoat.
Several things kept turning around in Zhu Youxiao's mind.
He suddenly felt that these things seemed to be connected and that there seemed to be something he could do about it.
Once this thought came to mind, I couldn't suppress it anymore.
Prince Fu was a vassal prince of the Zong clan. Before his younger brother, Prince Wang, became famous, he was a very remarkable person and his status was very high.
He is his uncle, and it would be a waste if he were to be kept in the capital.
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