Ming Dynasty: I risked my life to teach the prince, the emperor begged me not to die

Chapter 223: There is something behind the words
Emperor Hongzhi swept the snow off a stone beside him and sat down.

He glanced at Chen Ce who was fishing and said calmly, "Some strange things have been happening in the court recently."

"From time to time, the East Palace would come up with some good suggestions, such as salt permits and royal family salaries, as if they were helped by God."

Chen Ce paused and tilted his head to look at him. Thinking that he was an official from the Ministry of Justice, it should not be difficult for him to target the Crown Prince.

After all, investigating cases is his job, and these things cannot be concealed. As long as someone is interested, they will be able to find out soon.

The people above are already eyeing me.

Chen Ce could only pretend to be confused and said, "I don't understand what the master means."

Emperor Hongzhi said calmly, "I want to ask what exactly your Excellency is planning to do. The East Palace even wants to ask for a reward of a marquisate."

"You say that the Marquis gave out this reward for no reason. Can a commoner accept it? Is it a blessing or a curse?"

It turns out that he was just criticizing himself. Did he think I wanted the title of Marquis?
Chen Ce said: "I can't catch it, so I don't plan to take it."

"So what does your Excellency want? Why don't you just ask?"

Chen Ce pondered for a moment and said, "What do you want?"

He shook his head and said, "I don't know. Do you want the people of this nation to live a better life? Do you want a better future?"

Emperor Hongzhi sneered.

"Is it?"

Chen Ce said helplessly: "Look, you don't believe me even if I tell you the truth. I told you before that I am sick and will not live long."

Chen Ce said this when Emperor Hongzhi first met Chen Ce. However, Emperor Hongzhi thought he was just teasing at the time and did not take it seriously.

Today he came here just to warn Chen Ce to know when to advance and when to retreat. Of course, the emperor can reward him with the title of Marquis, but you cannot accept it.

It's not that Emperor Hongzhi is stingy, but the prince is ignorant and wants to give you the best, but this will make you a target of public criticism, which is not a good thing for you.

"I understand. I will not accept the reward from the Marquis. Don't worry, sir. I know my limits."

"You can ask for the rest, money? Beauty? Officials are not an option."

Chen Ce still shook his head and said, "There's really nothing I want."

"Or will you let me live two more years?"

Emperor Hongzhi: “…”

It's meaningless to talk like this. Although I am the Son of Heaven, I am not a god. Can I still add to your lifespan?

As he was talking, there was a knock on the front door. Chen Ce put down his fishing rod, went to the front yard, opened the door, and saw Jiang's mother smiling and said to Chen Ce: "It's too hard to find a place to live here."

Didn't you do some business and make some money? You are just pretending to be rich.

She then noticed the Emperor Hongzhi behind Chen Ce. The hard work over the years had made Emperor Hongzhi look a little old. Mother Jiang asked curiously, "Who is this?"

Chen Ce didn't know how to explain it. If he said he was a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Justice, Jiang's mother would definitely think he was bragging.

When Chen Ce was thinking about how to explain, Emperor Hongzhi smiled and said, "He is an elder in his family, so he can be considered an uncle."

Oh?
Mother Jiang raised her eyebrows and said immediately, "That's perfect. You can come with me. You can also help Xiao Chen with some advice."

"What reference?" Emperor Hongzhi looked at Jiang's mother suspiciously.

Mother Jiang complained, "Hey! You kid, you don't take your aunt's words to heart, do you? Your aunt said that she would let my daughter introduce you to a girl. Why didn't you discuss this important matter with the elders in your family?"

Emperor Hongzhi looked at Chen Ce with a half-smile, and Chen Ce hurriedly explained: "He is not..."

Emperor Hongzhi interrupted Chen Ce and said, "I see. You are the same. If someone wants to matchmake for you, it's a great thing. Why don't you tell your uncle?"

"Let's go. Uncle can help you check."

Ah.

Good screening, it's good that he likes your young man. With his conditions, he still needs your screening. People who don't know would think your family has made some huge business. Chen Ce glanced at the cunning Emperor Hongzhi, and finally said nothing. He took Emperor Hongzhi and followed Jiang's mother to the Jiang family villa.

Jiang Shaowen and his father had been waiting at home for a long time, and the dining table in the middle hall was filled with a variety of dishes.

Father Jiang did not stand up when he saw Chen Ce and Emperor Hongzhi, but said majestically: "Sit down."

Emperor Hongzhi asked Chen Ce in a low voice: "Who are these? So rude? They seem to look down on you?"

Chen Ce rolled his eyes at Emperor Hongzhi and said, "I look down on you even more! When an elder like you comes, they don't even stand up."

Chen Ce thought for a moment, then bowed and said, "I came here in a hurry and didn't bring any gifts. Please don't be offended, Uncle Jiang."

Father Jiang nodded slightly. Mother Jiang had already told Father Jiang the identity of Emperor Hongzhi.

Father Jiang looked at Emperor Hongzhi and said in a deep voice, "Are you a relative of the old Chen family?"

"His parents passed away early, and as an elder, you should have taken care of his marriage a long time ago."

"My child is getting older and hasn't even settled down yet. What should I do?"

“Whether you are rich or poor, you should start a family first, then think about building a career.”

"Look at our Goudan... ahem, our Shaowen. We were poor when he was young, but we got him married early. Isn't he doing well now?"

Mother Jiang smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, what are you doing in the capital now?"

Emperor Hongzhi thought for a moment and said, "It's nothing."

Idle away?

This family is ruined!

"You should find a job. When our son-in-law comes, ask him to find a job for you."

Emperor Hongzhi: "Oh, I'm honored."

Chen Ce thought to himself, how could this person be so sinister?
Emperor Hongzhi looked at Chen Ce. Although he didn't say anything, his expression said it all: I learned this from you.

Mother Jiang told Chen Ce, "At first, our daughter didn't want to introduce you to someone, but I had to persuade her with great effort. She's not bad. You have to behave well later, okay?"

No, this situation is not going right. It would be fine if you were just making fun of me, but why are you showing off your superiority now?

Who did your daughter marry? I didn't know and thought she married the prince.

"Father, mother."

Hearing the familiar voice outside, Chen Ce was stunned, as if he had heard it somewhere before.

Jiang's father and mother hurriedly stood up and went out flatteringly to greet their daughter, or to be more precise, their son-in-law.

Jiao Huangzhong held some gifts in his hands and said, "I brought some wine for you two elders."

"Oh, you are too polite, uncle."

Chen Ce and Emperor Hongzhi looked at each other.

Mother Jiang hurriedly urged Chen Ce, "Come here quickly, kid. What are you doing sitting in there?"

Don't you know the rules?

Chen Ce had no choice but to get up and follow him.

When Chen Ce saw Jiang Ping, he was stunned.

Jiang Ping was also stunned, and then started coughing violently.

It's just... quite embarrassing.

(End of this chapter)