It was late at night, and only Zhu Houzhao's imperial tent area occasionally heard some noises. Most of the others fell asleep, and there was not even a single patrol soldier in the camp.

Compared with the defense level in the army when Chen Xi led the troops, the security work in the camp where Zhu Houzhao was located was quite poor. The guards found shelter at night and fell asleep. They didn't care whether anyone attacked the camp. In their eyes, the emperor was absolutely safe as long as he stayed in the camp. If there was danger, the officers and soldiers outside would naturally take over, which had little to do with them.

Conquering the grassland and carrying out the destruction of the Emperor of Ming Dynasty was the result of Chen Xi leading troops to achieve brilliant achievements. The blood in the process was not something that most Imperial Guards and border soldiers could understand.

In the eyes of ordinary people, this war was too easy to win, completely ignoring the reality that Dayan Khan Batumonk was not dead.

Chen Xi originally said to fall asleep early, but for some reason, the more tired he was, the more he tossed and turned, he could not fall asleep.

"I could have stayed in the army, dispatched troops to strengthen my defense, and slept naturally and safely; or returned to the pass, without worrying about night attacks in the wilderness... Now, I can't help but stay here, and I'm even being taken care of. What's the difference between being in jail?"

He couldn't sleep any longer, so Chen Xi simply turned over and sat on the couch and looked around. Who would have thought that the tent was empty and there was not even a book?

Just when Shen Xi was bored, he suddenly heard something outside the tent, as if someone was talking, and then a subtle voice came: "Have you sleepy, Lord Shen?"

This voice is not unfamiliar to Chen Xi, it is Xiao Tiaozi, which is a very critical figure around the emperor during this period.

After getting out of bed, Chen Xi tidi tidied up his clothes, came to the door, lifted the curtain, and the little twisted zi just looked in, and bumped into Chen Xi head-on.

Under the faint light, Xiao Tiaozi saw that it was Chen Xi clearly. He was a little surprised. Then he took a step back and saluted respectfully: "I have met Lord Shen."

Chen Xi waved his hand: "Why are you so polite? You are actually waiting outside when you come? It's Mid-Autumn Festival now, and there's nothing wrong with the Central Plains and Jiangnan areas, but it's really a bit cold in this place."

Xiao Tiaozi said, "It is a great blessing for a villain to be able to wait outside Lord Shen's tent. After Lord Shen comes back, the villain has not had the chance to greet you... You guys, please leave first. If we have important matters in our family, it is related to the secrets of the court. You cannot eavesdrop on it casually."

Chen Xi's expression since he was a child can basically be judged. There was no secret matter. It was just an excuse he found to send the eunuchs who served him away in this way. Anyway, with Xiao Guozi's status, no one dared to question it. No one would go to verify with Emperor Zhengde. Whether the father-in-law really came to talk to Chen Shangshu was ordered to talk to him, that would be no different from seeking death.

Chen Xi asked Xiao Tiaozi to enter the tent. Xiao Tiaozi looked around after entering, and looked surprised: "It's so late, Lord Shen hasn't fall asleep yet? The villain thought that Lord Shen had been tired from traveling, so he had already stopped, so he didn't dare to come in and disturb him."

Chen Xidao: "Did your Majesty have the will to convey it? If not, but if you have any worries, you can just say it bluntly."

Xiao Guozi is a smart person. Although in most cases his wisdom was not as good as the wind and rain, he was a clever person. Moreover, he had known Chen Xi for a long time. Zhu Houzhao was still a child, so Xiao Guozi met Chen Xi as Liu Jin's follower, and the two had many conversations at that time.

Xiao Tiaozi said, "Mr. Shen, in fact... the villain came not to tell you about the imperial order. Now Your Majesty is still attending a banquet on the imperial tent and has no intention of taking care of other things. In addition, I believe you also know that Your Majesty did not interfere in military and political affairs during his time in Zhangjiakou Fort. The previous mistakes in marching and dispatch were all the consequences of the former Chief Secretary Zhang Yuan and Eunuch Zhang."

"Um."

Chen Xi smiled and nodded, expressing his acceptance of Xiao Guozi's statement. Of course, he also knew that Xiao Guozi was defending Zhu Houzhao, or helping his master shirk responsibility.

Xiao Tiaozi said with a bitter face: "After Eunuch Zhang was in charge of the rituals and supervision, he was domineering in his work. Even villains, who never competed with him, suffered a lot. Not to mention those ministers and officials who had certain grudges with him, the villains had little complaints about this, but they dared not tell others, and they did not expect that he would suffer the crime of being demoted by His own despair."

Chen Xi stretched out his right hand, made a "please" gesture, and said, "Twist my father-in-law, just say it if you have something to do."

"The villain has known you for a long time, and I want to say some things directly, but... if you don't turn the round, I'm afraid you won't understand Lord Shen... The villain actually doesn't have to compete with someone, but in the current situation, the villain also wants to do something that benefits the country and the people and help His Majesty share his worries."

When Xiao Taozi said this, he basically said that he wanted to be the chief supervisor of the Secretariat and was responsible for the government affairs.

Chen Xi nodded relievedly and asked, "Dude-in-law, with your age, I'm afraid there are many things that I can't bear?"

Xiao Tiaozi is still beating around the bush, but Chen Xi has already made the point and said it is not appropriate to be the chief of the Si Li Supervisor.

"ah!?"

Xiao Guozi was very surprised. He didn't expect Chen Xi to say such words and immediately asked, "Mr. Shen, aren't your age... similar to a villain? You have done so many big things now..."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Actually, before I came to visit, I had already guessed that you might have ideas in this regard... Since you are my own, you might as well open up some things... Master Tiao, how long can the Sili Supervisor's Printing beside His Majesty?"

Xiao Guozi thought about it carefully, and finally shook his head and said, "Often the eunuchs in charge of the seal of the Sili Supervisor only took this position after they were old. It took three to five years to get off in a few months."

Chen Xi looked at Xiao Tiaozi seriously again: "Then father-in-law, do you hope to retire from the position of the Sili Supervisor's seal in three to five years, or seven to eight years or even ten years later, and return to his hometown to enjoy his old age?"

Xiao Guozi stopped answering and began to seriously think about what Chen Xi said. Unlike Li Feiguang who would use some threats and intimidation, what Chen Xi said is basically true and thought-provoking.

Chen Xi continued: "In order to prevent the intern surveillance from abusing power, the Sili Supervisor can only hold the seal for a few years. If he does not die, he will be demoted or left to the place and live alone. Of course, he may also be re-appreciated and promoted by His Majesty, but whether he can still maintain his current status and status is another matter. Many things in this court cannot be determined by human resources. If the father-in-law has been with His Majesty for a long time, he should know how fast the eunuchs in charge of various corporations and corpses are, right?"

Before Emperor Jiajing, the Ming Emperor was basically in charge of the affairs, so there would be no long-term power vacuum, which made the replacement of eunuchs, eunuchs in charge of the various departments relatively high.

After thinking carefully, Xiao Tiaozi nodded.

Chen Xidao: "In this world, the best way to gain power is not to take everything yourself, but to do it by others. If the power is always in your hands, or you can always gain the trust of Your Majesty and the trust of the ministers, what's the difference between who will be the chief seal of the rituals?"

Xiao Guozi instantly felt that he had been deceived by someone, and of course he would not think that Chen Xi was lying to him.

He thought to himself: "At the beginning, Concubine Li did tell me this, let Li Xing and others be the Sili Supervisor's seal. As long as I can control Li Xing, the Sili Supervisor will be under my control. Even if Li Xing falls, the next Sili Supervisor's seal will still obey my orders. I always hide behind the scenes and manipulate everything. But later Concubine Li changed her mind and found some reasons to encourage me to compete for the throne. But in fact, she has lost her trust in me, just to fool me, let me come forward and prepare to sacrifice me at any time!"

Thinking of this, Xiao Guozi asked, "What Lord Shen means..."

Chen Xidao: "Actually, I don't care much about who will be the chief seal of the Secretariat, or I have never thought about interfering in this matter... I have twisted my father-in-law, you may be confused by some remarks and think that I am bullying the world and stealing reputation, and I will definitely want to control everything. But why don't you put yourself in your shoes? If I want to interfere in everything, wouldn't it be that your Majesty is suspicious and even let the people in the court attack me? Why do I do such a thankless thing?"

Xiao Taozi thought about it again and found it very reasonable. Chen Xi should try his best to avoid being a real person. If Shen Xi even proposed and implemented the position of Sili Supervisor and Print to the emperor, it would inevitably be a loser. Chen Xi has always been steady in doing things, and he will never do such things.

Chen Xi said again: "The official seal is in charge of the seal, and the directly influenced yamen is the cabinet. Although I am from Hanyuan, I do not want to enter the cabinet early. If anyone wants to promote me to enter the cabinet in the future, I will refuse. After many years of military career, I now want to spend a few days of stable life. I have even expressed my feelings to Your Majesty that no one can disturb you."

"Duangfu, you may be able to use Your Majesty's trust as the boss's supervisor's hand seal, but if you ask yourself, can you completely gain a foothold in the Supervisory Office and do everything out of your own opinion, and not be influenced by anyone other than Your Majesty?"

The little twister didn't even have to think about it and shook his head.

When Xiao Taozi talked to Chen Xi, he felt that it was much easier than getting along with Concubine Li. Chen Xi told him something real. Then he thought that even if he was in charge of the rituals, he would still be controlled by Concubine Li. If Chen Xi pointed at him, he would not be able to refuse.

Chen Xi smiled faintly, spread his hands and said, "Isn't that enough? He could have let others be a puppet, but now he has to put himself in such an extremely dangerous position, and he will be influenced by others at any time... He is so troubled by you?"

Xiao Tiaozi nodded: "Mr. Shen, the villain understands it. You hope the villain recommends others to be the chief seal of the Sili Supervisor, right? Or it is not a recommendation, but not a competition."

Chen Xi nodded slightly: "That's what I mean. Instead of trying hard, it's better to hide behind the scenes and be a matchmaker. This is the most clever way of acting for eunuchs."

Xiao Guozi was still a little worried: "But the villain was afraid that Eunuch Zhang would come back... Eunuch Zhang was very fussy and acted ruthlessly. If he made a comeback, he would probably suffer revenge."

"Um."

Chen Xi nodded, "Now we are really trying to prevent some people from making a comeback. I have the same concern. If a person falls and lets him get up, it will be more difficult to deal with than before. Is it the only one who is the one who realizes this? Your Majesty will not easily appoint old people. Why do these people have lost your Majesty's trust? If you completely believe in the opinions of some people who don't use the intention, then you...haha, you don't have to ask me."

It sounds like Chen Xi is talking about Concubine Li, but in fact he is helping Xiao Twist open the knot in his heart, that is, don’t listen to too many people’s opinions, it’s best to follow his heart.

Chen Xi finally said, "Duang Daughter, your own choice is the most important. I just provide some simple opinions. If Daughter thinks, you should be the supervisor of the Secretariat, what's wrong? You may not be able to create a miracle and maintain the honor of holy people for a long time. Now, the most trusted father-in-law around His Majesty is afraid that you will be the one who twists his father-in-law, right?"

Xiao Taozi stopped saying anything. He felt that he had fallen into the trap carefully set by Chen Xi and Concubine Li. Some people wanted him to do this, and some people wanted him to do that. What should he do, but it was difficult to make a decision because of insufficient wisdom.

He also understood that Chen Xi and Li Fei were both wise people. To a certain extent, Chen Xi’s wisdom should be higher than Li Fei’s. Both of them had their own purposes, so when they said something to him, they would induce him according to their own interests.

"The villain understands."

Xiao Guozi said, as for whether he really understood, it would be a different matter.

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Since my father-in-law has made a decision, I will complete the task successfully... If my father-in-law has nothing else to do, please come back, and I will have to rest."

Xiao Guozi seemed very nervous again: "Mr. Shen, I won't bother you about your own affairs, but Your Majesty... You should remind me more that Your Majesty stayed in Xuanfu for too long. If you don't return to the court for a long time, it will inevitably lead to some monsters and monsters and gods who will jump out to make trouble. Lord. Shen, you are back triumphantly now, and you should persuade Your Majesty to return to Beijing as soon as possible."

Chen Xi smiled and nodded. He couldn't help but wonder what Xiao Taozi said for what he said, was he really thinking so, and speaking from the bottom of his heart, or was someone asking him to say so.

Xiao Zhuozi said again: "Someone may want to keep Your Majesty in the northwest, so much favor, but this will cause chaos in the country... The little one is slight and has no right to remind Your Majesty. Only Lord Shen can just persuade him as an imperial teacher. The villain will retreat first, Lord Shen, please rest."

Xiao Twist looked very respectful and retreated all the way outside the tent. When the curtain closed again, the smile on Chen Xi's face was still hanging.

At this time, Chen Xi was still thinking about some things.

After seeing Xiao Tuozi, he could clearly feel that the forces around the emperor were complicated, and you were me and I was you, both in cooperation and confrontation... Xiao Tuozi was obviously wary of Concubine Li, but he could not say it clearly, so he had to use some obscure ways to remind him.

"This little knot can be regarded as a loyal minister of the Zhu family. Even if he was temporarily bribed by Concubine Li, he still had the country and country in his heart. Is it a disaster or a blessing to have such a person planning for the Ming Dynasty?"

Chen Xi was not easy to characterize Xiao Guozi, just as he was difficult to define many people in the court, such as Xie Qian or He Jian. In a sense, they were supporting the Ming Dynasty, but in fact they had their own interests in it. It would be better to say that they were maintaining the court's principles, but they would still do this if others were the emperor.

"People who play politics are naturally different from Xiao Taozi, who are dedicated to their masters. Xiao Taozi thinks not about the gains and losses of the court, but about the emperor's gains and losses. He puts all his hopes on his master, so it is natural for the emperor to value the people around him. Even Liu Jin and Zhang Yuan are just dogs raised by the royal family. No matter how poor his own dog is, he knows that if he guards the house, he must be more careful when changing the house to guard the family."

Chen Xi suddenly felt a little sad, "Once my guardhouse has a tendency to win people's hearts, it may be worse than a dog in the owner's house. In the mind of Your Majesty, my status may not be as good as a small twister... That's sad! After all, His Majesty is in control of the affairs of the court and the country, but it's just a different way."

...

...

The next day, just dawned, Chen Xi got up.

He closed his eyes for less than two hours that night, but when he got up, he was in good spirits. He hurriedly washed up with the face wash handkerchief and tooth powder sent by the eunuch. After leaving the tent, Xiao Twist was already waiting outside. However, this time Xiao Twist no longer represented himself, but Emperor Zhengde.

Xiao Tiaozi changed into a stereotyped smile: "Mr. Shen, Your Majesty is welcome."

Chen Xi nodded and stretched out his hand and said, "Don't bother to lead the way forward."

Chen Xi didn't know why Zhu Houzhao was summoned, because Chen Xi guessed that the emperor who had been having fun all night should have slept soundly, otherwise he wouldn't say yesterday that he would have to wait until noon before returning to the city. Zhu Houzhao was not an emperor who could get up early.

When Chen Xi arrived at the imperial tent and saw Zhu Houzhao's eyes turned black and drowsy, he realized that Zhu Houzhao had not fallen asleep at all, so there was no problem of not waking up.

Chen Xi stepped forward to greet him, and Zhu Houzhao waved his hand: "You go back, I have something to say to Chen Qing's family alone."

When Xiao Guozi heard this, he quickly took people out of the tent. Chen Xi was a little uncomfortable. It was strange that the little emperor would actually ask him to go to the tent to talk about things in the morning.

Zhu Houzhao said: "There were so many ministers present yesterday. I wanted to say something to my husband and I was not convenient. So I took advantage of the fact that there were few people this morning and asked the husband to come and talk about it. In this way, I can hand over the things in my hands with confidence. Sometimes... I am very tired."

Bah, are you mistaken? You actually have the attitude to say you are tired?

If you are tired of handling court affairs, then nothing is wrong. The problem is that you are clearly tired of eating, drinking and having fun. How can you be exhausted?

Chen Xi sneered in his heart, but looked respectful on the surface: "Your Majesty, please tell me."

Zhu Houzhao sighed lightly: "That's right. Before, the chief eunuch Zhang, the chief eunuch Zhang, was punished by me to guard the imperial tomb for making a big mistake. However, I think he is still sincere in doing things. As for delaying the fighter opportunity, it is entirely my fault. It is not my fault. I feel uneasy to punish me like this... Mr. Chen, what do you think about this?"

Chen Xi did not expect that the person who came up to plead for Zhang Yuan first would be the emperor himself. This happened too suddenly. Even if Chen Xi was wise, he still needed to think about the potential interests.

Chen Xi said in a formal manner: "The various duties of the inner court should not be mixed with by external ministers, and the weak ministers dare not express their opinions casually... Your Majesty mentioned people who are close to trust, and I believe Your Majesty naturally has a scale in his heart and knows how to choose."

Zhu Houzhao said: "I just want to ask Mr. Chen, don't you blame me for the wrong decisions I made before, right? Alas! I have put my husband in a siege, and almost made you unable to come back."

Speaking of this, Zhu Houzhao also had a strong self-blame mentality, which was a world of difference from the free and fearlessness he showed before. Yesterday, Zhu Houzhao showed the style that an emperor should have, but now he has begun to reflect on it.

But it is understandable to think about it. The emperor needs face. Even if he admits his mistake, he can only do it in private.
To be continued...