The emperor put down the account book handed over by Lu Zhen and sighed, "How is Haoyus body now?"

  "Doctor Shi said its already beyond salvation, and all we can do is use medicine to ease his suffering a bit."

  The emperor couldnt help but feel a pang of sadness, "Hes much younger than me, how did it come to this?"

  Lu Zhen lowered her head, "Shi Taiyi said that his foundation was not good to begin with, and in recent years he had overworked without taking care of himself, so..."

  The emperor felt even more ashamed and thought for a moment before asking, "Have arrangements been made for his sister and daughter?"

  "I ordered the official from the Board of Rites, Mr. Ou, to go to Suzhou to proclaim the imperial edict, and at the same time, to measure the fiefs of the Duchess and Countess, and also instructed the Governor of Suzhou to take good care of them. I suppose they will have someone to rely on when they return to their hometown in the future."

  The emperor nodded in satisfaction, "This is good, these weak and delicate women cannot be bullied."

  The emperor thought for a moment and said, "I will give them some imperial edicts, which can be delivered directly to the heavenly court. If they are bullied by others, there is also a way to speak out, so as not to chill the hearts of meritorious officials."

  "Your Majestys benevolent heart."

  The emperor waved his hand, just about to let him go down, suddenly remembered the Jiangnan Observation Envoy who had been arguing fiercely in the court recently, and asked: "Yuan Yi, Zhao Jie is your deputy, what do you think of him?"

  Lu Zhen bowed his head and thought for a moment before saying, "Zhao Jie has outstanding abilities and is very talented in leading troops. As for his ability to handle civil administration, I do not know."

  The Emperor smiled, "It seems you already know. Now the court is in an uproar. Originally, there were five candidates for the Jiangnan Observation Envoy recommended by the court. Except for Sun Huai and Liu Pei, who were nominated by Lin Jiang, the other two were proposed by other ministers of the court. But now, Liu Pei has been promoted to Yangzhou Governor, and I dont plan to let the Observation Envoy serve as Governor again, so only four people are left competing. However, until now, only Sun Huai and Zhao Jies names have been heard in the court."

  Lu Zhen smiled and said, "Sun Huai was originally the instructor of the Suzhou garrison, and it wasnt until Haoyu arrived in Jiangnan that he promoted him. Over the past decade or so, Sun slowly rose to become Haoyus deputy, making him extremely familiar with Jiangnan. As for Zhao Jie, he is from Jiangnan, and the Zhao family is one of the five major families in Jiangnan, second only to the Shang family. In terms of control over Jiangnan, aside from the Lin family, it would be the Zhao family. Therefore, the other two are naturally inferior compared to them."

  "They are not familiar with Jiangnan, and even if they went there, they wouldnt be able to accomplish anything. Its better to just sit back and watch the two of them fight each other," Lu Zhen said with a smile: "The people who recommended them arent fools either, so naturally theyve retreated and stopped making noise. Thats why Your Majesty has only heard about Sun Huai and Zhao Jie."

  The emperors eyes gradually deepened, and he asked: "Is the Zhao familys power in Jiangnan very great?"

  Lu Zhen was taken aback and then lowered his head, saying: "Your subject has only heard it through hearsay."

  "Tell me, what have you heard?"

  "Ive only heard that Zhao Jies younger brother is active in Yangzhou on behalf of his older brother, and has already gained the support of various families in Jiangnan. I think that even if it were me, a Lu, it would be difficult to bring together so many families, but the Zhao family can do it, which shows their influence in Jiangnan."

  The emperor listened expressionlessly and let Lu Zhen withdraw after a while.

  Sun Huai and Zhao Jie, he indeed prefers Zhao Jie, after all Sun Huai is Lin Jiangs right-hand man, and Lin Jiangs connections may be inherited by him.

  He was willing to hand over Jiangnan to Lin Jiang, firstly because the imperial family owed a debt of gratitude to the Lin family, secondly because the Lin family had great prestige in Jiangnan, and thirdly because of Lin Jiangs loyalty to the emperor, he trusted Lin Jiang.

  If it were replaced by another person, Lin Jiangs connections and resources would be handed over to Sun Huai, who knows whether it is good or bad?

  Moreover, he had long wanted to separate the military and political powers of Jiangnan, so he directly promoted Liu Pei as Governor of Yangzhou, cutting off the path for the Jiangnan Surveillance Commissioner to concurrently hold local office.

  When the time comes, use Zhao Jie to restrict his intervention in civil administration and finance, only let him have military power, as long as the separation of military and political powers in Jiangnan is successful, it can be applied to other provinces.

  It seems he thought too much of himself.

  If Zhaos influence in Jiangnan was as great as Lu Zhen said, it is likely that the military and political affairs of Jiangnan would not only be inseparable but also fall under his control.

  Lin Jiang was gentle in character and loyal to the emperor and the country, so his policies were effective in Jiangnan. But if it were Zhao Jie, things would be different.

  His opponent was a military general, and he didnt think a general who had been on the battlefield killing enemies could be very gentle.

  For example, Lu Zhen, although he is from a noble family and is usually gentle and elegant, actually has a very explosive temper and strong control desires. At least the people sent by the emperor to Lingzhou found it difficult to gain power under his hands.

  It was also because, apart from the Northeastern Army surrendered by Lin Cong, the Emperors control over other armies was very weak, so he planned to weaken the power of the Observing Commissioners and the Jiedushi, separating military and political powers.

  Jiangnan was under Lin Jiangs control and had a high degree of allegiance to the imperial court, so he planned to start from Jiangnan.

  The emperor sighed and had someone go call over the few Imperial Guards who followed Lu Zhen to Yangzhou. Those men were his trusted confidants, so he still needed to ask them about the situation in Jiangnan.

  These several forbidden army identities were very ordinary, so they had not been taken care of by their superiors. After arriving in Jiangnan, except for being on duty, they had a lot of free time, so they collected quite a bit of information.

  Because Zhao Sheng had already made a stir before they left, the noise was quite loud, and several people didnt need to ask to know everything clearly.

  However, they didnt mention Zhaos matter first, the focus was still on Lins family, after all, they were entrusted by the former emperor to collect more information about Lins family.

  "Except for the two Zhuangzi and the bookstores in Suzhou, all the other properties have indeed been sold out. Now the Lin family is managed by Lin Damans sister, Qingyuan County Lord. The three clan elders of the Lin family are still living in the Lin family. It is said that the second house of the Lin family wants to adopt a son for Lin Daman, but Lin Daman does not want it, and it has caused some trouble."

  The second imperial guard added: "We heard that the people of the Second House had apparently laid hands on the county master, which enraged Lord Lin and thus gave him the idea to scatter all his familys wealth."

  The emperor frowned and temporarily put aside Zhaos case, asking: "What does the elder of the Lin family think about this?"

  "I heard there was a commotion on the day of the auction, but I havent heard anything about it since then."

  The emperor nodded solemnly and asked, "Have you obtained the list of families who bid for the estate that day?"

  "Yes," a eunuch took out a small booklet from his bosom and presented it, "these are all on file at the yamen, but I didnt dare to go there to check, so I could only ask around, therefore some of the smaller properties arent recorded."

  The emperor opened the book and immediately saw "Zhao Sheng" listed on the first line.

  The emperor asked in a low voice, "Zhao Sheng?"

  The guards immediately replied, "He is the second master of the main branch of the Zhao family and also the younger brother of Vice Commander Zhao. Now he is in charge of the miscellaneous affairs of the Zhao family."

  "What did he do in Yangzhou?"

  Several imperial guards were shocked, and this was one of the most important things they wanted to say, because Zhao Shengs actions were too loud, daring to organize a joint operation while the imperial envoy was still present, as if they thought they were dead?

  The imperial guards were reporting to the emperor, while Lu Zhen was meeting with a few friends. He decided that tomorrow he would have his friends jointly recommend Zhao Jie as the Jiangnan Surveillance Commissioner. I wont let you off, Ill get rid of you.

  The next morning, all the civil and military officials were in high spirits, after all, the national treasury had been filled with so much money.

  The emperor, who had been troubled for half the night, saw the joyful ministers and his mood improved a bit. The dismissal of the Jiangnan Surveillance Commissioner only exposed a problem that had always existed, nothing to worry about, and instead, the treasury had added so much money, wasnt the situation getting better and better?

  So the emperors mood improved and he began to attend to state affairs.

  It was only a good mood that lasted for a moment. Lin Jiangs illness worsened, and his days were numbered, so his succession was mentioned at every court meeting.

  The emperor was in a good mood today and didnt want to bring up this annoying topic, but before he could even open his mouth, the Minister of Rites had already spoken up about it.

  Chen Shangshus reason is also sufficient. Lin Jiang is seriously ill and cannot be allowed to labor continuously. He is loyal, and Your Majesty should sympathize with him. Therefore, the selection of the Jiangnan Observation Envoy must be decided as soon as possible.

  Chen Shangshus words had barely fallen when several officials came forward in agreement and once again nominated Zhao Jie.

  The emperor narrowed his eyes and saw that they were all officials from Jiangnan or had a relationship with Jiangnan. He smiled silently, without saying a word.

  The officials below saw this and their courage grew, and they all came forward to stand by the person of their choice.

  Apart from Sun Huai and a few others, almost everyone who spoke up supported Zhao Jie, while the remaining silent officials sat there as if it was none of their business.

  The emperors face still wore a smile, but he had already become so angry that his breathing was twice as heavy. Seeing that more than half of the officials in the court did not express their opinions, seemingly uninvolved, but he didnt feel happy at all.

  Jiangnan Road is currently the most important area in Daliang, but they are not taking action, allowing people below to fight chaotically, this is simply unreasonable.

  Do you think you can stay out of this and watch from a distance? What is the point of me supporting you then?

  The emperors disgust for Zhao Jie reached its peak at this moment, the smile on his face fell, and he said with a stern face: "This matter has been considered by the emperor, and will be discussed with the six departmental ministers, to determine the candidate to succeed Hao Yu as soon as possible. All of you can withdraw."

  Having said that, he stood up and withdrew from court.

  Chen Shangshu was slightly startled and didnt understand how the emperor, who had just been smiling, suddenly became angry.

  The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and the Minister of the Ministry of Works exchanged a glance, both showing some delight. The two of them were supporters of Sun Huai, except for Chancellor Chen who expressed support for Zhao Jie, the other chancellors had not taken a stance, so they were considered neutral. Therefore, if the Jiangnan Surveillance Commissioner really let these six people decide, the possibility of Sun Huai winning was still very great.

  At least its more decisive than winning in a morning meeting.

  Chen Shangshu obviously also thought of this point, his face looking somewhat unpleasant.

  On that day, the six Shangshu went to the Temple of Diligent Government to discuss with the Emperor the selection of the Jiangnan Surveillance Commissioner, from morning till evening.

  The emperor did not directly name a candidate, but when Chancellor Chen walked out of the palace gate, his face was somewhat pale and he even stumbled.

  The Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works smiled on their faces and left with ease.

  The people staring at the palace gate suddenly understood in their hearts that it seemed Sun Huai had won this time.

  It was indeed Sun Huai who won, although the Emperor did not make a final decision in front of them, but the six people who understood the Emperor knew that he had already made up his mind.

  Chen Shangshu returned home with a gloomy face, saw the staff waiting at home, and couldnt help but close his eyes, shaking his head: "Zhao Jie was too hasty and offended the taboo."

  The staff were surprised and uncertain, "Sir, there are too many people in todays morning lineup, it doesnt seem like the kind of people Zhao Jie can find."

  "Are you saying that someone is muddying the waters and framing others?" Secretary Chen furrowed his brow, sighed after a brief moment, and said: "That must be Lin Jiangs doing. But whats the use of knowing now? Your Majesty trusts Lin Jiang deeply, and Zhao Jie has already formed an image of being overly eager for achievements and gains. Send a letter to Zhao Jie to give him some mental preparation, and also let his younger brother behave in Jiangnan."

  Chen Shangshu didnt know about Zhao Shengs rebellion in Jiangnan until he was about to leave the palace. How could he be so stupid? At that time, Lu Zhen had already led the Imperial Guards and officials from the Ministry of Rites to Jiangnan, wasnt that a ready-made handle for them?