Chen Xi was not at home that day and did not go to Huiniang's place.

He knew that Hui Niang should give a buffer period for calm thinking, and at the same time he wanted to stay at home to accompany Chen Hong, so that his son could feel more secure with him, a more familiar father.

But Chen Xi really couldn't pull herself away that day, so it was because Zhu Houzhao summoned Chen Xi to the Leopard Room for some time to discuss.

When Zhu Houzhao saw Chen Xi, he immediately complained: "Mr. Chen, have we agreed? I asked Mr. Xie to return to the court and hand over the errand of the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel to him for arrangements. Then you will return to the court... You are obviously untrustworthy! I have been waiting for you for many days, but you have not yet performed your duties. Do you really have to wait until after the New Year to take office? Who will leave the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War to do that year?"

In the past, Zhu Houzhao didn't like to care about these things, but because she was worried that Chen Xi would ignore political affairs and wanted to leave the court directly, she was determined to plug this loophole and urged Chen Xi to perform her duties as soon as possible.

Of course, this is also related to Zhang Yuan constantly blowing in Zhu Houzhao's ears.

For Zhang Yuan, it is very difficult to handle the relationship with Chen Xi well. He not only needs to bow down to Chen Xi, but also find ways to weaken Chen Xi's influence on the emperor. However, in the short term, if Zhang Yuan wants to fight against the civil servant group headed by Xie Qian, he can only make full use of Chen Xi's power.

Especially now, Shen Xi is still helping him investigate the case of rebellion in foreign relatives, and Chen Xi is not less supportive.

Every time he goes to the Shen family, Zhang Yuan always feels a little awkward, and he also knows that just visiting the door, many people will doubt him, especially the Zhang family's relatives, so he simply proposed to Zhu Houzhao that Chen Xi would return to the court earlier, so that many things could be negotiated directly in the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War.

This makes Zhang Yuan seem selfless and constantly urges the emperor for the sake of the Ming Dynasty.

Chen Xidao: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I also want to return to the court earlier recently, but I was tied to some trivial matters and couldn't do it well."

Zhu Houzhao sighed deeply, and she was very stanced to not want to say it out loud and affect the relationship between teachers and students.

Zhang Yuan and Xiao Tiaozi stood beside him, and then Zhang Yuan asked: "Mr. Shen, what are you busy with? You don't even need to call His Majesty? This court is different. The Ministry of Personnel has not completed the assessment. It's just that it's just that. It's not that the Ministry of Personnel has not completed the assessment. It's just a few days after the Chinese New Year. There are also many things on the settlement and military budget for the coming year, and you need to come out to take charge of the overall situation... In addition, the Right Minister of the Ministry of War has been vacant yet. As the Minister of the Shang Dynasty, can you not pay attention?"

Zhu Houzhao nodded: "Eunuch Zhang is right. Mr. Chen, you should keep some thoughts on government affairs. At least you will complete the promised things first and return to the court first... Who will do the things?"

Chen Xi looked at the people present.

Before, Xiao Taozi was the closest one to him, but now he is in harmony with his appearance. After he temporarily left the core power of the court, even if others knew that he was very capable, they still had to observe the situation. If Chen Xi did not officially serve as the two ministers, he was just an idle person. If others asked you to do things, you would only shirk and avoid them. How can we completely trust you and even surrender to your name?

Chen Xidao: "Your Majesty has arranged tasks for me before, but it has not been completed yet."

Zhu Houzhao thought for a while and asked, "Is it about investigating the case? This... you can continue to investigate, but you don't need to be too arrogant. In the end, it involves a lot..."

When talking about the case of rebellion by foreign relatives, Zhu Houzhao's speech was a bit confusing.

Both Zhang Yuan and Xiao Taozi knew about the case, but the problem was that Xiao Taozi went to pass the message on Chen Xi, and Zhang Yuan and Qian Ning were ordered by the emperor to investigate separately. Zhu Houzhao wanted to borrow the power of several parties, but she did not want each other to know about each other's existence.

Zhu Houzhao looked a little hesitant, but he quickly skipped the topic and continued, "As for the foreign envoys to come to the capital, Mr. Chen can wait until the New Year to deal with the affairs of the court before dealing with it... Or just like that, Mr. Chen, you will go to the Ministry of Personnel to perform your duties tomorrow. By the way, Mr. Chen, you have not been to the Ministry of Personnel's Office yet, but I have arranged for you to be the Minister of State!"

Zhu Houzhao's attitude was very firm, and Zhang Yuan and Xiao Zhuozi next to him were all looking at Chen Xi with eager eyes.

Whether it is Xiao Tuozi or Zhang Yuan, they are actually willing to stand with Chen Xi in their hearts. They think that as long as Chen Xi returns to the court, it will be helpful to their career; but if Chen Xi does not return to the court for a long time, they will not be able to count on it, and their previous desire to surrender to Chen Xi will gradually fade, and of course Zhang Yuan will have more complicated ideas.

Chen Xi didn't want to get involved with Zhu Houzhao, so he respectfully said: "I obey the order."

"Um!?"

Zhu Houzhao seemed to have not expected Chen Xi to agree so readily. She couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, and then said happily, "That's right. Just go back to the court. We are both monarchs and ministers, teachers and students. The teacher has a high reputation in the court. Needless to say, there is no need to say about his ability. In the future, if there is anything to do, he can handle it himself. If it cannot be solved, he will report to me... I won't see others easily, but Mr. Shen is different."

Zhu Houzhao really praised her first, showing that she respected Chen Xi very much, but anyone who is familiar with his personality knows that this is just a way to win people's hearts.

But Chen Xi was not disgusted with this. Although Zhu Houzhao liked to eat, drink and have no fatal weaknesses in character, and she had the minimum respect for people. Whether it was said or actually acted, she seemed to be nonsense, but she did not make any major mistakes. The emperor was quite conscientious.

...

...

Zhu Houzhao was very busy and had not met Chen Xi for too long, so she was about to get up and leave because he had his own "thing" to do next.

After simply summoning Chen Xi back to the court, Zhu Houzhao would start a new day of food, drink and fun.

As for sending Chenxi out of the leopard room, it naturally fell on Xiao Tiaozi, because Zhang Yuan was not responsible for these messy pick-up and drop-off matters, but Xiao Tiaozi was always doing these cumbersome things.

"...Mr. Shen, you have been back to the court. When you are not here, all the troubles in the court have come out. Only when you work sincerely with Master Xie, can the Ming Dynasty flourish. In fact, the villain has always hoped that you will come back soon..."

Xiao Tiaozi was very clear that once Chen Xi took office as Minister of Personnel and Minister of War, his power would reach a height of previous all-round.

As the Minister of Personnel, Chen Xi was in charge of the information of all officials from the center to the local government and the power of personnel appointments and removals, and influenced the official hats of thousands of officials. As the Minister of War, he was in charge of military affairs in the world, promotion of military officers, supply of military supplies, and formulation of national defense strategies.

This means that Chen Xi also has the future of all civil and military officials in the world.

In this way, Chen Xi's power is not simply as one plus one equals two. As power is highly concentrated, many joint reactions will occur.

Xiao Guozi also knew that he had not been able to curry favor with Chen Xi some time ago, so he quickly made some gestures to make it seem that he had always followed Chen Xi's will.

Chen Xi smiled slightly and waved his hand and said, "You are kind to me, my father-in-law. This time I returned to the court was just to fulfill His Majesty's entrustment, not what I wish... At least on Mr. Xie, you have to say this."

"ah!?"

Xiao Tuozi was stunned for a moment, not understanding why Chen Xi said that. But then he realized that Chen Xi had already noticed that he had some interaction with Xie Qian in secret, and belonged to the fence-riding swaying left and right fence-riding stern, and couldn't help but feel a stern heart.

Chen Xi glanced at the face of a little guilty little Twist, and said, "What's going on in the leopard room? I hope you will say a few words from time to time in the future. However, the rules of the Ming Dynasty, the eunuchs and foreign ministers must not have too much contact. Please also act more obscurely. I don't want to arouse unnecessary suspicion from others."

Xiao Zhuozi shook his head and smiled bitterly, "How is this possible? The villain is just a little eunuch serving in front of His Majesty, and this place is not an inner garden of the palace, so how could someone be uttered?"

Chen Xidao: "That's the case. Whether it's me or father-in-law, you are staring at by so many people. In the public eye, it's not so convenient to speak and do things... It's like in this leopard room, there seem to be so many discordant eyes staring at it."

While talking, Chen Xi began to look at the environment in the front yard of the leopard house.

Xiao Tuozi followed Chen Xi's gaze and immediately found that many eunuchs, palace maids and guards looked here intentionally or unintentionally. This undoubtedly proves that Chen Xi's words, no matter where Chen Xi was, as long as Chen Xi contacted his little Tuozi, they would be noticed.

Xiao Tiaozi looked ashamed: "It seems that the villain is not doing well. He is actually being followed by so many ignorant guys in the leopard room. It seems that he has to teach them a lesson after turning around."

Chen Xi didn't say anything. This matter was nothing to him. He had been used to being stared at wherever he went.

While speaking, Chen Xi had already walked to the door of the leopard room. Xiao Tiaozi whispered: "Mr. Shen, the villain will send a generous gift to your mansion, or you will give it to you in a place. The villain hopes to get your tips. You must not keep people from thousands of miles away. The villain is very conflicted now. If you refuse to help, the villain will not even know what he should do in the future!"

After saying that, Xiao Guozi went back to the leopard room without waiting for Chen Xi to reply.

Because Xiao Tiaozi had already found someone standing at the door of the Leopard Room, it was Zhang Yuan who had met with them before. Originally, Zhang Yuan should have taken a step first, but he didn't want to come out and wait for the opportunity to meet Chen Xi.

Although Xiao Tuozi tried hard to maintain his majesty in front of Zhang Yuan, he was actually not qualified. After Zhang Yuan restored his identity as the eunuch in charge of the seal, he had fully controlled the internal supervision system. Xiao Tuozi found that he could not break this monopoly. The more he struggled, the more he felt powerless. This is also the fundamental reason why Xiao Tuozi felt confused and fearful.

Before, Xiao Guozi thought he could control the emperor's way of speaking, but now Zhang Yuan has obtained the opportunity to meet directly, and it would be futile to stop him any longer. In other words, Xiao Guozi's final reliance was also lifted.

"Mr. Shen, let me speak with you?"

When Zhang Yuan saw Chen Xi coming out, he greeted with a smile.

Chen Xi waved his hand: "No need, the Japanese official is very tired now. He wants to go back to the house to rest early. Eunuch Zhang also wants to go back to the palace to work as a servant, right? I won't disturb you much."

Zhang Yuan laughed and said, "Mr. Shen will be two ministers soon. Such a high position and power are also the result of our family's constant suggestions in front of His Majesty. Today, it was because our family took the initiative to tell His Majesty that the two affairs were busy and many things were not resolved. His Majesty summoned him... Mr. Shen cannot cross the river and destroy the bridge."

Zhang Yuan tried his best to show his contributions in front of Shen Xi, but he might not even believe what he said.

If Zhu Houzhao doesn't care, no matter how he says it, it will be futile. The key is that sometimes the emperor also needs a step. It is reasonable for him to provide the emperor with such a step.

Chen Xidao: "What's the important matter? Do you have to discuss it here? This is a leopard house, and many people are staring at it. If you and I get along for a while, someone will tell the main forces in the court to the news. What do you think is the secret of this capital?"

Zhang Yuan smiled and said, "Mr. Shen, don't worry too much. Even if someone knows it, it won't affect our conversation... You and I will come out to discuss some things. Shouldn't it be? Who else is qualified to see Your Majesty and get the opportunity to listen to it? Outsiders envy you and I'm not too late. If you dare to talk nonsense, our family will let them know the serious consequences!"

Chen Xi looked at Zhang Yuan's proud expression and thought to himself: "Zhang Yuan returned to the court and restrained some arrogant and domineering behavior, but he was always a successful villain. It seems unrealistic to make him completely give up the previous style of bullying others with power. People with this personality cannot accomplish anything big, maybe they can only think of it as a snake!"

Chen Xidao: "What's the matter? It's not too early. I should go back and rest... The Japanese official must fulfill his promise to His Majesty and go to the Ministry of Personnel to perform his duties..."

Zhang Yuan smiled: "Even if you go to the Ministry of Personnel, at most it will be just a formality. Let Xie Yuqiao and others know that you are back to the court, and make them feel scared... After Lord Shen returns to the court, is the most important thing to complete the assessment first? We have a list of officials here..."

"What do you mean?" Chen Xi frowned.

Chen Xi didn't quite understand why Zhang Yuan showed such kindness in his return to the court. Now that he has made the case, Chen Xi naturally understands that Zhang Yuan actually wanted to achieve some unspeakable goals through him, the Minister of Personnel, such as promoting some "his own people".

After returning to the court, Zhang Yuan no longer acted like before. He just relied on being arrogant and domineering to make a living, and no longer blindly bribed the old ministers in the court. Perhaps Zhang Yuan also understood that with Liu Jin's lesson, it was not easy for officials in the court to take sides and be part of the eunuchs. It was better to directly promote middle and lower-level officials in the court.

Since he promoted it, he would naturally serve him.

Zhang Yuan asked in surprise: "What's so strange about promoting a few of his own people? Lord Shen doesn't have to look at our family with such a surprise, right? Is Lord Shen also starting to cultivate his own power in the court?"

When talking, Zhang Yuan looked as if he was just following Feng Chenxi, but Chenxi only promoted a few people who made contributions on the battlefield.

To change the way of thinking, as the Minister of Personnel, Chen Xi wants to promote anyone he wants to.

As a eunuch, Zhang Yuan did not have this qualification because Zhang Yuan’s literacy supervision did not involve the assessment and promotion of officials, so Zhang Yuan could only use the Ministry of Personnel to achieve his goals.

Apart from Chen Xi, it is difficult for Zhang Yuan to win over officials of the Shangshu level in the court. Even Zhang Zilin and others, who were previously considered close to the eunuch party, would not have any good looks at Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan held a list of officials' assessment and promotion in his hand, but Chen Xi did not reach out to take it. For him, this violated his principles of being a human being.

Chen Xi frowned and said, "Don't say that I have not performed my duties now. Even if I officially start work, I will not help you promote your confidant. Your Eunuch Zhang... Don't forget your identity!"

If it were Zhang Yuan, he had already started yelling with Chen Xi, but now he wanted to reason with Chen Xi and acted in a bitter manner: "I said my eldest nephew..."

After being stared at Chen Xi, Zhang Yuan immediately changed his name and continued, "Even if Lord Shen doesn't want to form a clique in the court for personal gain, he will need some people to help him... The people we want to use are all the best among the younger generation. They just don't have the chance to prove themselves. If you give them the opportunity to make progress, will they not repay you? This is not to cultivate our family's confidants. It is simply to provide you with some available talents to Lord Shen. Will you not use people in the court in the future?"

Chen Xi didn't reply, and he didn't even want to pay attention to Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan continued: "You don't know what Xie Yuqiao is in the court? He just because he has a lot of people on hand and you have two ministers. He failed to make a promise in front of His Majesty, so he mobilized those fans to go to your house to cause trouble. If it weren't for our family... OK, you don't remember this, you should know that someone is different from no one, right? If you have someone at hand, a large number of officials will confront the group of troublemakers that day, let the people know that the court actually had a controversy about this, and it would not be like this that way, and the situation of the trend of Xie Yuqiao was supported by the situation!"

Chen Xi looked at Zhang Yuan and said, "Your Madam Zhang thinks things very clearly."

"Can we not want to? As a civil servant, you naturally don't want to be that evil person, but our family is different. No matter how we say it, we are all connected with blood and qi. If I fall down, you will help you. If something happens to you, will I stand by and watch? If there is a helper in the court, you will feel much more at ease in doing things. Don't forget that Goro is still under your command..."

Zhang Yuan spoke with emotion, as if he did this entirely to help Chen Xi and the Shen family.

Chen Xi was very clear-headed: "Since you know the principle of being in harmony with each other, you should know that the most important thing for me now is not to fight with anyone, but to cultivate a good reputation. Even if I want to abdicate power, I have to be open and upright. I will return to the court tomorrow. This is Your Majesty's order. It is not my return on the voluntary action, but the result of Your Majesty's several embarrassment... Do you understand the difference?"

"Huh?" With Zhang Yuan's simple mind, he naturally didn't understand the difference, just as he asked Chen Xi for help in many things.

Chen Xi continued: "Do you think I can't deal with those officials who went to our mansion to make trouble? Haha, in fact, I had a way to stop them before they connected, but I didn't do this, do you know why?"

Zhang Yuan blinked and said, "Mr. Shen, what you said really makes people wonder. You have known it for a long time, but... let those people make trouble and endanger the reputation of the Shen family?"

Chen Xi sneered: "Whether it is harmful, it cannot be seen at the temporary gains and losses. I did not intend to get angry in the capital again before returning to the court. What I do now is just the final forbearance. This is also an explanation to the people of the world, and some sacrifices must be made. If you think that by promoting your confidants, you will only become the second Liu Jin at most... What will happen to Liu Jin? Don't you know?"
To be continued...