Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 531 A Greeting! The Art of Bribery!
This post station was built in a very luxurious manner. Next to the post station, some simple houses were temporarily erected, obviously to prepare for the large number of people who would be arriving soon.

This is because the original post station was not large enough to accommodate the emperor's large guard, so these temporary residences were built in advance.

The post station was already heavily guarded, with guards patrolling vigilantly.

The post station was decorated in a magnificent and opulent style, which seemed out of place in this disaster-stricken area.

The carved wooden windows and embroidered curtains all showcased its extravagance, yet they also isolated it from the misery of the outside world.

As soon as Zhu Yunwen moved in, Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi hurriedly came to pay their respects and stood respectfully below the steps.

Zheng Hongjian bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, this place is already the front line of the disaster area. The roads ahead have just been washed away by the flood and are muddy and have not been completely cleared, making it difficult for carriages and horses to pass."

"To ensure Your Majesty's safety, I humbly request that Your Majesty rest here for a few days. During this time, Your Majesty may also summon officials from the disaster area to handle state affairs and comfort the affected people, so as to demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence towards the world."

"Once the roads are cleared and passable, it will not be too late to continue deeper into the heartland." His words were earnest, as if every sentence was for the emperor's consideration.

Zhu Yunwen neither confirmed nor denied this, and did not directly respond to his suggestion. Instead, he asked, "Didn't you report that you had allocated a large amount of money, set up tents and soup kitchens, and properly resettled many disaster victims?"

"Since this is the front line of the disaster area, why do I not see a single resettled disaster victim in all my sights?"

Zheng Hongjian quickly bowed and hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"As the saying goes, 'Among a hundred people, there are all sorts of different kinds.' Although most of the people of our Great Ming Dynasty are humble, kind, and law-abiding under Your Majesty's teachings, in the face of disaster, human nature is revealed in all its forms, and it is inevitable that good and bad will be mixed together."

"Moreover, after a major disaster, some are overwhelmed with grief, some are at a loss, and some harbor resentment. People's hearts are restless and it is difficult for them to find peace."

"In addition, the heavy casualties and corpses scattered all over the place made it inevitable that diseases would break out."

"To ensure Your Majesty's health and well-being, after learning that Your Majesty would be resting here, I specially relocated the people who were originally settled near the post station to a more distant area."

He looked up and observed Zhu Yunwen's expression, then carefully continued, "In this way, without the disturbance of the disaster victims, Your Majesty can sleep peacefully here, relax your mind and body, and it will be more convenient for Your Majesty to handle government affairs and coordinate disaster relief matters."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, all the disaster victims have been properly taken care of."

Zhu Yunwen simply gave him a deep look, his gaze complex, but he remained silent.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Qingzhi stepped forward and respectfully said, "If Your Majesty wishes to see the disaster victims in person at this moment, I will immediately dispatch officials to bring them to you."

"No need!" Zhu Yunwen waved his hand, interrupting Zhao Qingzhi. "I'm a little tired and want to rest early today. You may all leave now."

Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi dared not say anything more, and could only bow respectfully in agreement before slowly retreating.

After the two left, they went straight to find Zhao Rui.

After the news of Li Jichuan's "suicide" in prison spread, it was clear to everyone that the emperor was extremely dissatisfied with it.

However, the emperor did not punish them for this; instead, he allowed them to accompany him on his journey.

This truly baffled Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi, leaving them completely bewildered.

Zhao Rui had been relatively kind to them before. Although he had refused the money Zheng Hongjian offered last time, he had still given them a few kind words of advice.

Perhaps this time we can try to get some more information from the chief eunuch who accompanied the emperor.

Before requesting an audience, Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi discussed the matter and ultimately decided to prepare a generous gift.

Although Zhao Rui refused the check Zheng Hongjian offered last time, he did not show any aversion or disgust. Instead, he offered some advice, so Zhao Rui should not be opposed to it.

They guessed that perhaps it was because they were strangers at their first meeting that the gift was rejected.

Now that a certain "relationship" has been established, giving a generous gift under the guise of thanking someone for their previous guidance is a completely different matter.

Conversely, if someone has already offered help, and they do not know how to repay the kindness, then they appear to be extremely lacking in social etiquette.

Of course, this time the gifts must be much more substantial, far exceeding those of last time.

At the same time, the way of giving gifts also needs to be more particular.

After making preparations, the two went to Zhao Rui's lodging.

"Our household is very busy. If you two don't have anything urgent to discuss, please don't bother us any further."

Unlike his amiable demeanor last time, this time, Zhao Rui adopted a cold and aloof attitude as soon as he saw them, his tone clearly showing impatience.

Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi exchanged a quick glance. Zheng Hongjian immediately put on a smile, bowed, and said, "Eunuch Zhao has served His Majesty with great merit and hard work. It is truly inappropriate for me to come and disturb you. I hope you will forgive me."

Judging from Zhao Rui's attitude, if a "thank you fee" were offered directly this time, it would definitely be rejected.

However, Zheng Hongjian and Zhao Qingzhi had been navigating the officialdom for many years and had managed to climb to the positions of governor and inspector, so they naturally possessed some skill and ability and would not be deterred by mere difficulties.

Zheng Hongjian paused for a moment and said, "I am grateful for your kind guidance last time, and I have come here today to thank you."

"But I know that you are an honest and upright man, and I dare not offer you money or gifts, lest I dishonor you."

"Even if we come empty-handed, we must still come to thank you for your great kindness."

"Otherwise, Zheng would be an ungrateful wretch."

After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

Zhao Qingzhi followed suit.

Both of them were extremely respectful.

Although Zhao Rui was a Grand Eunuch, he was only a fourth-rank official, while the other two, as governors and inspectors, were second-rank officials, far above Zhao Rui.

But the status and position of someone like Zhao Rui, who served the emperor, could not be measured by rank alone.

Even the most powerful ministers in government and the military treated him with utmost respect.

As for officials from other regions like Zheng Hongjian, a single word spoken by Zhao Rui in front of the emperor could influence the emperor's opinion of him, thereby affecting his career prospects and even his life.

Therefore, when Zheng Hongjian faced Zhao Rui, he addressed him as "your subordinate" repeatedly, displaying the utmost humility.

It's a pity that Zhao Rui doesn't accept adopted sons. Otherwise, even though Zheng Hongjian is twenty years older than Zhao Rui, if Zhao Rui were willing, Zheng Hongjian would definitely kneel down and kowtow on the spot, saying, "Godfather, please accept my bow."

Zhao Rui did not react to the two men's respectful bows.

After Zheng Hongjian finished bowing, he respectfully said, "I overheard that Eunuch Zhao has several jade ornaments that Her Majesty the Empress once wore."

He deliberately slowed his speech, emphasizing, "That's an extremely rare and priceless treasure!"

"I have heard that such treasures can only be found occasionally at the grand auctions held by the Jinling Auction House."

Zheng Hongjian spoke sincerely, yet with a hint of helplessness: "To be honest, my wife has a particular fondness for these jade ornaments and loves them dearly." "However, Henan is located in a remote area, far from Jinling. Let alone the priceless treasures used by the Empress, even ordinary jade of good quality is extremely rare here, and it is hard to find even one piece."

He sighed softly, his face showing pity and distress for his beloved wife: "My wife is thinking of me constantly, but I have nowhere to find her. As a result, she is depressed all day long and has no appetite. I see this and it pains me, but I am really at a loss."

"Now that Eunuch Zhao has accompanied His Majesty on his northern tour, I was thinking that I might have the honor of purchasing one or two pieces of jade jewelry from you to ease your worries."

"If we could have some of the precious items that Her Majesty the Empress once used, that would be even better."

"Even if not, I would be satisfied with other high-quality jade ornaments."

"As for the price, everything is negotiable, and we will never let my father-in-law suffer a loss."

"I wonder if Eunuch Zhao could be so kind as to grant me this favor?"

"This humble official thanks Eunuch Zhao in advance!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Rui's gaze fell on Zheng Hongjian's face, and a hint of hesitation appeared in his expression.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Hongjian immediately added, "Please rest assured, Eunuch Zhao, this is merely my personal request to purchase jade ornaments from you, and there is absolutely no intention of bribery."

"Even if the censors of the Censorate know about this matter and want to submit a memorial impeaching you, you can simply report the truth to His Majesty before him. I and Inspector Zhao can both testify to this!"

Zhao Rui's tense expression relaxed slightly. He pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Indeed, we have some rare jade treasures in our possession."

"However, such treasures depend on fate; only those with the right destiny can obtain them."

"If it is not meant to be, even spending a fortune will not bring it, and forcing it will not work."

He then changed the subject and sighed, "Right now, Henan is ravaged by floods, and millions of people are displaced and suffering in dire straits."

"His Majesty is kind and compassionate, and worries about the livelihood of the people day and night, even losing sleep and appetite because of it."

"As the governor of Henan, Lord Zheng should be concerned about the suffering of the people and do his best to appease the people for the court and share the burden of His Majesty."

"But now, instead of thinking about disaster relief and flood control, you are busy buying precious jade ornaments for your wife."

"When this matter reaches His Majesty's ears, this alone will be enough to make Governor Zheng suffer a terrible fate."

Upon hearing Zhao Rui's words, Zheng Hongjian's heart sank as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

It seems that this private "deal" is completely hopeless.

Zhao Rui's refusal to accept his "gift" might also indicate that he might not be able to pass the emperor's test.

An indescribable sense of fear and unease instantly gripped him.

However, just as Zheng Hongjian was feeling uneasy, Zhao Rui's tone suddenly changed: "However, as my family just said, when it comes to jade, the most important thing is fate."

His gaze fell meaningfully on Zheng Hongjian, and he continued, "As long as one is destined, one can obtain what one desires and possess treasures."

"Since Lord Zheng has personally come to our door today, we might as well make an exception and bring out a few jade ornaments for you to appreciate."

"As for whether we are destined to be together, that's hard to say."

Zheng Hongjian was overjoyed, and his previous frustration vanished.

But then he was confused again, unable to figure out the true intention behind Zhao Rui's words.

What secrets and profound meanings are hidden in these words?

He eagerly sought answers from Zhao Rui's expression, only to see Zhao Rui turn around and head straight for the jade ornaments.

Zheng Hongjian quickly turned his gaze to Zhao Qingzhi beside him.

Zhao Qingzhi made a gesture to him without making a sound.

Zheng Hongjian instantly understood, and his eyes lit up.

Just then, Zhao Rui slowly walked back, carrying several exquisitely carved wooden boxes in his hands. These boxes were all made of the finest rare woods, with lifelike and exquisite patterns carved on their surfaces, every detail showcasing masterful craftsmanship.

These boxes themselves are already priceless treasures.

One can only imagine the treasures contained inside.

Zhao Rui's movements were gentle and slow, as if he were afraid that the slightest carelessness would damage the treasure in the box.

He carefully opened one of the wooden boxes, moving so gently that it made almost no sound, and then took out a jade carving.

What appeared before Zheng Hongjian was an exquisitely crafted jade carving of a six-armed coral parrot.

The carving is exquisite, with intricate yet fluid lines, and every detail reveals the masterful craftsmanship.

The jadeite they selected was crystal clear and vibrant green, undoubtedly the finest jadeite, priceless.

Zhao Rui's face was full of smiles as he deftly twirled the jade carving in his hand, playing with it attentively.

He said with a smile, "This 'Six-Armed Coral Parrot' jade carving was a gift from the Empress to our family."

Zhao Rui said with a hint of pride and admiration, "Speaking of which, our Empress is incredibly kind to the palace servants and guards."

"Everyone has benefited from her kindness, and they are all grateful to her and respect her from the bottom of their hearts."

He shook his head regretfully and smiled, "It's a pity that His Majesty only brought the Imperial Concubine with him on this northern tour; the Empress did not accompany him. You will not have the chance to see her benevolent presence."

Zheng Hongjian stared intently at the jade carving of a six-armed coral parrot in front of him, his eyes filled with amazement and fascination.

He couldn't help but exclaim repeatedly, "Absolutely amazing! It truly deserves to be called a peerless treasure! This is simply a priceless gem!"

Zheng Hongjian's voice was excited: "Look at this lustrous texture, this exquisite carving! It truly embodies the beauty of heaven and earth and the divine skill of creation to create such a peerless masterpiece!"

"Eunuch Zhao, how much silver is such a divine object worth?"

He blurted it out without thinking.

However, whether Zheng Hongjian's expression was genuine or feigned, only he himself probably knows.

Ordinary people may not have much knowledge or experience.

But how could the governor of Henan, a high-ranking official of the second rank, have never seen such rare treasures?

……

(End of this chapter)