After hearing Chen Xi's words, Zhu Houzhao was a little disappointed: "I actually thought that Mr. Hun may not want to come up with an idea. Perhaps as the ancients said, rabbits die and dogs cook, and birds are all kept in bows. Now it seems that it is time for me to settle the meritorious officials, so Mr. Hun is guarding against me, right?"

Such a straightforward word makes Chen Xi somewhat unacceptable.

Even as an emperor, you can understand the deep-seated things contained in it, and you shouldn’t say them directly, right?

This will put the monarch and his subjects in a very embarrassing situation!

Zhu Houzhao continued: "But I always have sincerity towards Mr. Hu. Not only will I not neglect the heroes, but I will use them more and more! No matter what others say, at least I think Mr. Hu is loyal to me, and I also regard him as a strong man. The Ming Dynasty is indispensable to the pillars of the Ming Dynasty... Therefore, if you have any opinions, just put forward them. As long as it is reasonable and evidence, I will agree."

Chen Xi thought to himself: "Since you have put your words to this point, I will tell you the truth."

Chen Xi clasped his fists and said, "I am not afraid of Your Majesty's suspicion. Everything I do is to consider the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty, and I am absolutely unparalleled to Your Majesty... But there are always things to avoid. I am only the Minister of War. If you are involved in military affairs, your Majesty asks, and I am naturally responsible for answering it. However, if it involves decisions about the court, or even a key position such as the Chief Secretary of the Secretariat, I am afraid to make suggestions. If I speak three things, the ministers in the court will definitely criticize it... People's words are terrifying!"

When Zhu Houzhao heard this, she probably understood what was going on and showed a sudden look: "It turns out that the sir is afraid that the ministers will talk randomly!"

Chen Xi shook his head: "As the saying goes, planning his own affairs in his position, if the weak ministers do things that are not within the scope of the duties, Your Majesty may think it is very suitable, but there will inevitably be people who will argue. Furthermore, the chief etiquette is the minister of the seal. Although he is of high status and power, he is just a slave of His Majesty, and he can only choose and decide based on His Majesty's preferences."

"I don't know the abilities and character of the servants around His Majesty. In addition to helping others, I will be criticized in the future. How can Your Majesty get me involved in such a thankless thing?"

Zhu Houzhao thought about it and suddenly laughed out loud. She didn't know what she thought of, but she actually succeeded in this way.

Looking at Chen Xi's puzzled eyes, Zhu Houzhao said, "It turns out that the gentleman is not omnipotent, he is still afraid of gossiping... But he doesn't worry, as long as I'm in one day, he will never allow others to talk to him. It is purely a delusion to instigate my relationship with him, and I will never allow it!"

Chen Xi thought to himself, you say that now, but when it comes to disputes between the interests of the monarch and the ministers, you won’t think so. Your indulgence to Liu Jin was at the extreme, what was the final result? Didn’t you issue an order to kill Liu Jin?

The emperor calls me alone, how could anyone allow someone to threaten the stability of the imperial power? You now understand the importance of winning people's hearts, so you comfort me in every way. Who knows what the future will be?

Chen Xi bowed: "Thank you for your love, but I should not give any advice on such matters. If Your Majesty has a decision in his heart, you don't have to ask others. You can make a decision on your own. In the end, the scale in your mind is much more important than others when it comes to the selection of the seal supervisor of the Sili Supervisor."

Just like the previous suggestions to Xiao Guozi, Chen Xi's opinions were also asked Zhu Houzhao to make decisions based on his own intentions and not be disturbed by external forces. In this way, even if there is a problem in the future, you, the emperor, cannot put the blame on others.

If I recommend someone who is capable, you won’t thank me, but if the person I recommend is not capable or offends you in the future, you will definitely blame me. Maybe you will even place this person with me by your side, specifically for monitoring you.

In front of the emperor who is in charge of the world, Chen Xi could only try his best to show a neutral attitude. He would not deliberately aggrieved himself in order to please Zhu Houzhao, lay hidden dangers for the future, nor would he deliberately sing a counter-arrangement with the emperor to deceive the court. That would be of no benefit. When the emperor asked for advice, he would also try his best to be moderate and impartial.

Chen Xi was originally very opposed to this attitude, but at his current position, he had to make some changes. All of this is that he was already a high-ranking minister and could not handle things with the radical attitude he had before. His political ambitions have been realized to a certain extent. If he takes a different approach, he will become a public enemy of the government and the opposition.

Zhu Houzhao thought for a long time but still couldn't make a decision. He said depressedly: "I think it would be unfair to him to transfer Zhang Yuan like this, but if he returns to serve as the Secretariat Seal, it will seem that I will go back on my word and damage my majesty... I can't find a more suitable candidate now, so things have been dragging on it. It's not a solution!"

Chen Xi asked in surprise: "Eunuchs in all responsibilities in the palace are always capable, but why does Your Majesty say there is no suitable candidate?"

Zhu Houzhao sighed: "Maybe I don't know that there are two eunuchs in the Sili Supervisor, Dai Yi and Gao Feng. They are old and stupid and have no ability to make decisions alone. They are older than Zhang Yuan. Now they are young and punished, and they are obviously not in line with common sense. I am young and promising, and I don't want to reuse those incompetent people with dizzy eyes."

Chen Xi nodded slightly and thought to himself: "This kid doesn't do his job properly, but he still has certain ideals and ambitions. Perhaps it's just because of the child's character. He has been suppressed for too long in childhood and wants to play for a few more years. However, he has his own opinions on the appointment and removal of the court's personnel, especially the candidates for the Sili Supervisor, who are related to the stability of the imperial power."

Zhu Houzhao said again: "There are fewer young eunuchs who are capable, and these people themselves have a low status, so they can jump directly to the position of Sili Supervisor's seal. It is not justified, so how can the court and the public convince? So I am very embarrassed. I have been thinking about who should take this position, but I can't find a suitable candidate... I am very embarrassed."

Chen Xidao: "Your Majesty does not have to worry about it at all. The situation of the Silijian is different from that of the imperial court. There may be a fixed process for the appointment and removal of officials, but you can still directly appoint and remove them through Your Majesty. As for the Silijian... Your Majesty can let the person you like come up and try it. If you like it, let him continue to do so. If it doesn't work, then change the candidate. What does Your Majesty think?"

Although Chen Xi was giving advice, he cleverly avoided the sensitive issue of candidates and only proposed a way to select people. As for whom the emperor used in the end, it had nothing to do with him, Chen Xi.

Chen Xi means, I will tell you how to use people. You can promote the people you think are suitable for, and use whoever has the best skills, instead of just thinking about it.

Practice to produce true knowledge!

In Shen Xi's opinion, the things he proposed were simple and practical and very easy to understand, but people of this era couldn't help but feel that it was too sarcastic. After hearing this, Zhu Houzhao asked in surprise: "Can the Sili Supervisor's Seal Prints also give someone a try? Is this a little... too careless?"

Chen Xidao: "Some things may not necessarily need to be made public. Your Majesty can test their abilities privately, such as the same memorial, let different people review them, and let them hand over their opinions on their handling to His Majesty. Whoever deals with them well will use their actual performance to judge who is more reliable and reliable in doing things."

Zhu Houzhao seemed very embarrassed: "Even if these people are capable, they are not good enough to be character and loyal. After all, the seal of the Sili Supervisor is not just about helping me handle the memorials."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "Your Majesty wants to test their comprehensive abilities and loyalty. You might as well leave everything to them to deal with, observe secretly and observe them silently, and the assessment can be carried out in private. Your Majesty does not have to disclose it to the court. In this way, even if there are some special requirements, the ministers do not know that everything is under the control of Your Majesty."

What Chen Xi said sounds reasonable and also allows Zhu Houzhao to see some fun elements.

In the past, the process of selecting the Sili Supervisor's printing was too cliché. Now, I play new things and let a few eunuchs compete. He, the emperor, serves as the referee. In this way, those competitors will compete to perform, and the biggest beneficiary is the emperor, and he can still find fun in such competitions.

After Zhu Houzhao thought carefully, her face was full of a happy smile and she gave Chen Xi a thumbs up: "Mr. Chen's idea is still brilliant. I may not decide who will be the chief supervisor of the Sili Principal, give them a stage for performance, so that they can show themselves as much as possible and prove that they are capable from all aspects. Haha, why didn't I expect it before?"

Chen Xi thought to himself: "It's you. No other emperor would agree to such a ridiculous suggestion, but you regard this kind of thing as a treasure.

Zhu Houzhao looked at Chen Xi again: "Mr. Chen, if you let me make a decision alone, there may be unfair situations in some aspects. Since this proposal was proposed by Mr. Shen, how about the referee with me?"

Chen Xi quickly refused: "I don't have such power."

Zhu Houzhao begged: "I said Mr. Chen has it, that's it. Please rest assured. Mr. Chen is just giving advice on this matter, and the final decision is with me. In this way, I will not be a teacher who interferes in my private affairs, and others will not be irresponsible... Sir, just agree, so that I can make a decision."

Seeing that Zhu Houzhao was determined, Chen Xi nodded helplessly, his little eyes looking at him were filled with eager light:

"Since Your Majesty insists on letting me participate in it, I will do my best. But Your Majesty must remember that my opinion will not determine who will be the supervisor of the seal, and the final decision lies with Your Majesty."

"Haha, okay, just do it like this. If things come, it will be interesting. I will put it into practice and announce this news to the eunuchs in the inner court in Zhangjiakou Fort!" Zhu Houzhao said.

From Zhu Houzhao's words, Chen Xi could judge that the emperor did not want to return to Beijing in a short period of time, which was inconsistent with the expectations of most court officials. His eyes rolled and he made another suggestion:

"Since Your Majesty intends to provide an open and fair competition stage, we should appropriately expand the selection. The Wei-Minist's suggestion is to transfer some capable eunuchs back to the capital, and the competition will officially start from the capital, so that it is also easy to examine the connections of these people in the government and the opposition, and their ability to deal with things on the spot."

"If it is placed in a desolate and remote place in Zhangjiakou, it will be a disadvantage for those eunuchs who lack social communication in Xuanfu."

Zhu Houzhao thought about it carefully and finally nodded: "Mr. Chen said it very reasonably. We must first establish a fair and just competition environment to select talents, and the capital city is the most suitable. Since this is the case, we must set off and return to Beijing as soon as possible after returning to the capital city, and the competition will be held in the capital city!"

After a conversation with Chen Xi, Zhu Houzhao finally found a way to untie the knot, and it was a good thing at the best of both worlds.

Not only can you find the right person to help you do things, but you can also make yourself happy during the selection process. This fresh selection method is very fun for Zhu Houzhao, and I feel happy from the bottom of my heart.

The king and his minister then talked for a while, and Zhu Houzhao finally felt tired and kept yawning. Chen Xi stood up and said with tactfulness.

Chen Xi left Zhu Houzhao's tent and returned to his tent. He knew that Zhu Houzhao would not get up early and return to Zhangjiakou Fort that day. He might have to drag it until afternoon before leaving. He could take a good rest during this period.

In another tent, Li Fei had just woken up and learned from Xiao Tiaozi that Zhu Houzhao had summoned Chen Xi and Shen Xi to make suggestions.

Concubine Li asked in surprise: "Be serious about this? How did you know?"

Xiao Tiaozi said, "It was Your Majesty who told me. Before you rest, you specifically asked me if there was a suitable candidate for the Secretariat Supervisor to take the seal... According to Your Majesty's opinion, Lord Shen suggested that all the eunuchs in the palace who are interested in the Secretariat Supervisor to take the seal and sign up for the selection. Whoever has a strong ability in doing things will be able to reach the high position, and even Eunuch Dai and Eunuch Gao will participate."

Concubine Li gritted her teeth and said, "What a good thing Shen Zhihou. While saying that she didn't get involved, she secretly gave His Majesty advice. Who could have expected this before? Although she did not add subjective opinions, she let the whole thing be completely controlled by him. Is the final decision also in his hands?"

Xiao Guozi thought about it carefully and said quickly: "It seems that it is up to His Holiness to make the decision."

"Hmph, do you really believe it is up to Your Majesty to decide? Since Shen Zhihou agreed to participate, his opinion is very important. And since he proposed the selection, wouldn't he put forward some assessment standards in some selection projects? He could say that he could live if he died. It would be easy for His Majesty to be deceived by him?" Li Fei was very angry.

Xiao Guozi thought for a while and couldn't help but nod, obviously agreeing with Concubine Li's statement.

Concubine Li looked at Xiao Tiaozi: "You should have seen Shen Zhihou last night, right? What did you say to him? Did he say hello to you in advance?"

"Empress, I am not bewitched by Lord Shen. Lord Shen is very cautious about me and has not made any promises or suggestions at all. This matter is unheard of. If it weren't for His Majesty's mention, I would have been kept in the dark." Xiao Taozi felt guilty, looked away, and lowered his head and said.

Concubine Li asked with a stern face: "He really said nothing? Or do you think some things can be hidden from me?"

Xiao Tiaozi said bitterly: "Empress, I dare not deceive you. In fact... I can know this news today because I eavesdropped outside the imperial tent. I dare not get too close. I just listened to it a few times. After that, although Your Majesty mentioned this to me, he was vague and he only knew the inside story with his own imagination. I never wanted to hide it. As for last night, Lord Shen showed a look of being arrogant and unfamiliar, and he didn't even say a word of pertinence, saying that he would not interfere in the selection of the Secretariat and Supervisor's seal."

Xiao Taozi felt a little guilty, but he had a little more confidence in speaking at this time. In his opinion, it was not a bad thing for him to propose that eunuchs from various departments participate in the election. In this way, the initiative is in his hands and he can decide how to call resources at his own discretion.

Before coming to see Concubine Li, Xiaodozi went to see Zang Xian first. Zang Xian thought Chen Xi's move was quite clever, which was equivalent to helping him in disguise, which helped Xiaodozi control the situation.

Concubine Li was a little annoyed at Xiao Tiaozi's attitude and said with a dark face: "Little Tiaozi, you are really capable. If you talk about who is the strongest in your work, who else can do anything but Xiao Tiaozi? If you are the chief clerk of the Si Li, you are sure to be sure?"

Xiao Taozi thought to himself: "Virgin Li really has no good intentions, so she still wants to push me as the seal of the Sili Supervisor. Just as Lord Shen said, if I want to push me as a gun, I might as well give the resources at hand to others so that I can control others to help me do things. As for Li Xing... I am not a good candidate."

Xiao Tiaozi said, "Empress, do you have to obey your arrangements if you are the chief etiquette supervisor? And I may not be able to be elected... As far as I know, Your Majesty seems to be resentful of the crime of the guilt of Eunuch Zhang, and seems to regret it. He wants to transfer Eunuch Zhang to his side again... If Eunuch Zhang also participates in this selection, I am afraid that it will not be his opponent."

"Are you afraid of him?"

Concubine Li sneered, "You are clearly changing the topic! Even Zhang Yuan's most proud confidant Zang Xian is now using it for you. Are you still worried about what Zhang Yuan does?"

Xiao Tiaozi said: "Eunuch Zhang has served as the chief of the Secretariat and has a lot of resources on hand, and Lord Shen is likely to stand on his side. Lord Shen is unwilling to help me, which does not mean that Lord Shen will not help others. I have helped Lord Shen do things before, but in this reunion, he has no arrangements for me, and I seem to have lost his trust."

For the sake of Concubine Kuanli's heart, Xiao Taozi tried to say that he was pitiful. Some of the content he explained before did have false parts, but what he said now is basically what he really thinks in his heart. In this way, his words seem very sincere, making Concubine Li have no way to doubt it.

Concubine Li's face was still ugly, and she waved her hand dejectedly after a while: "After all, the initiative is no longer in my hands and you. Even if you have the ability to be appreciated by Your Majesty, you will not be able to complete the test set by Shen Zhihou and Your Majesty. Moreover, if Shen Zhihou intends to pull you off, no matter how capable you are, you will not be able to show it. Just by his veto, you will not be qualified to be the boss's supervisor."

It was a threatening thing, but Xiao Taozi disagreed when he heard it and thought to himself: "I don't want to be a soldier who is so strong that I am the most favored attendant around His Majesty. I am much more stable than being an eunuch in the Sili Prison. Lord Shen is actually right."

Because Xiao Taozi respects Chen Xi very much, and Concubine Li's words and deeds are mixed, she is too selfish in handling things, so Xiao Taozi was successfully provoked by Chen Xi and was no longer in the same mind as Concubine Li. Even what Concubine Li said was unconsciously rejected by Xiao Taozi.

But Xiao Zhuozi didn't dare to break up with Concubine Li publicly. She was timid on the surface, but in her heart she was thinking about what to do to be the most beneficial to her.

Li Fei didn't know that Xiao Taozi was thinking and continued: "Shen Zhihou had ulterior motives. If you were bewitched by him, you would be deceived by him in the future. Even if you became the boss's supervisor, you would still do things for Shen Zhihou."

Xiao Tiaozi complained again: "Even if I listen to you, I will help you with your work. In fact, the result is the same. I will always be inferior to others... On the contrary, Lord Shen will not interfere with His Majesty's favor, because Lord Shen is a foreign minister, and I have to rely on me to win over the people of the palace and the leopard room, and I have to contact His Majesty by my hands... Lord Shen is indeed far-sighted."

Once a person has prejudice in his heart, even if Concubine Li makes sense, she will not be recognized by Xiao Tiaozi.

Concubine Li continued: "Little Twist, this time you have to compete for the position of Sili Supervisor to take charge of the seal... In this way, this is the best way to solve the current dilemma. I wonder if you have confidence?"

Xiao Zhuozi said, "There may be some in the past, but now Lord Shen is back, I have no confidence at all. Please give me some advice!"

Concubine Li thought she had successfully controlled the little knot and said satisfied: "Okay, you should choose the Sili Supervisor to take charge of the seal next time. Then follow our arrangements. We will give guidance to make you successfully become the boss's Lili Supervisor to take charge of the seal. Usually, I will also give more benefits to your Majesty."

"This will be a good opportunity for you to become famous. In the next few years or even decades, the court will probably be controlled by you. At that time, you will be under one person and above millions!"

Obviously, Concubine Li overestimated Xiao Guozi's ambition. Even if Xiao Guozi really had the intention to take power, it was far from being in power.

Everything is that Xiao Taozi is a man with little knowledge and is at ease with his wealth. If Zhu Houzhao had not favored him, he would not have had the chance to gain a foothold in the complex palace. Xiao Taozi admired Chen Xi very much, and was afraid in disguise. He did not think that he could win the battle with court officials represented by Chen Xi.

Xiao Taozi thought to himself: "I can't beat Lord Shen at all! But the rest, just say that my ability is far less than Liu Jin. Even Liu Jin died so miserably. If I fought with Lord Shen, I would probably die faster and worse. Concubine Li clearly wanted me to be cannon fodder. Lord Shen might have seen through this a long time ago, so he woke up. Zang Xian also said that Lord Shen is helping me indirectly, and I can't be bewitched by Concubine Li!"

Although he had a final decision in his heart, Xiao Tiaozi still said respectfully: "I will follow the instructions of the Empress."

...

...

After Xiao Tiaozi left, Concubine Li was still sulking.

She clenched her fists tightly and hit the table beside her with a punch. With a "bang", she made a huge muffled sound. There was a blood mark on the back of her fair hand, and she didn't care at all.

"Shen Zhihou is so scary. This man is scheming and always acts unexpectedly. If he insists on not cooperating with me, then I can't fight him at all. I may have to live in his shadow for the rest of my life."

Concubine Li was very upset, "He changed my life and caused me so much suffering. I am still willing to help him and let his child become the crown prince and the future emperor. What reason does he have not to help me? Does he want to be the emperor himself?"

Concubine Li was difficult to accept the current difficulties. She originally thought that Chen Xi could distinguish the interests and should help her no matter what aspect.

Finally, she said to herself fiercely: "Shen Zhihou, if you choose to go against me, I will not admit defeat. I don't believe that you have no weaknesses. One Zhang Yuan is enough for you to drink a pot. Do you think you can hide this from the world? Humph, I just want to let this scandal be known to everyone, and it depends on how you deal with it!"
Chapter completed!