Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 150 The Principles of Being a True Man
Just as Huang Ze was figuring out how to better annihilate the cavalry force sent to Hebei by the emperor, and incidentally get that kid surnamed Lu to pledge his loyalty to him.

The men Zhu Youjian sent to contact Lu Xiang-sheng have quietly arrived in Daming Prefecture.

At this moment, it was already broad daylight.

Lu Xiang-sheng, who was in the government office of Daming Prefecture, barely slept all night.

Lu Xiang-sheng had large dark circles under his eyes and looked extremely tired.

With the situation deteriorating to this point, the nation was on the verge of collapse.

Lu Xiang-sheng, whose heart was set solely on serving his country, essentially lost the ability to sleep after sending that secret letter.

To alleviate my anxiety.

Lu Xiang-sheng could only pace back and forth in the deserted, quiet room.

Now he only has one worry in his mind: whether His Majesty will trust him.

If His Majesty doesn't trust me, what should I do to gain his trust?

Or rather, what should I do to stop the decline of the Ming Dynasty and its surrounding areas from falling apart?

In Hebei.

Lu Xiang-sheng was a middle-aged prefect who rose rapidly through the ranks, envied by everyone.

However, in the entire Ming Dynasty, his position as the prefect of Daming Prefecture was practically worthless.

His abilities are far too limited to make any substantial contribution to the current Ming Dynasty.

It's like a small stone thrown into the ocean, not even causing a ripple.

This left him feeling extremely helpless.

There's a sense of resentment, like the feeling that you only realize how little power you have when you need it.

in fact.

The reason why Lu Xiang-sheng was so anxious.

The main reason was that he saw hope for the revival of the Ming Dynasty in Zhu Youjian.

It is precisely because of this hope that...

That's why Lu Xiang-sheng chose to send that secret letter as if gambling with his life, willing to die for His Majesty.

He wasn't stupid; he knew very well what would happen if the letter was intercepted midway.

The powerful families in Hebei would not hesitate to kill him.

They've already rebelled, what wouldn't they dare to do?

But what about the Ming Dynasty after His Majesty ascended the throne?
In just a few months, His Majesty has accomplished several great things that benefit the country and its people.

It's conceivable.

If His Majesty is given some more time and opportunity to breathe, then the resurgence of the Ming Dynasty will become inevitable.

However, those powerful and influential families in various regions, like parasites that gnaw at the heart of the nation, wanted to seize this opportunity to nip the Ming Dynasty, which was just beginning to show signs of revival, in the bud.

If he could not do something for the Ming Dynasty at this time, Lu Xiang-sheng had no doubt that he would be trapped in endless regret for the rest of his life.

Life is what I desire, and righteousness is also what I desire.

One cannot have both; one must choose righteousness over life.

Just as every dynasty in the Central Plains, when on the verge of collapse, always produces a group of idealists who seem somewhat foolish to ordinary people.

Lu Xiang-sheng has now become one of them.

This is precisely the ultimate reason why Lu Xiang-sheng chose to gamble with his life.

Thinking about these things.

Lu Xiang-sheng paced back and forth faster and faster, his anxiety growing stronger.

Just as Lu Xiang-sheng's emotions were about to reach a breaking point.

A trusted page who had followed him since his hometown suddenly burst into the room, quickly walked up to him, and whispered in his ear:

"Sir, your family has received the letter you sent. They even sent someone to say they want to see you."

"There are many people around the government office and your residence, so I have already quietly brought them back to my own home."

Hearing his subordinate's words, Lu Xiang-sheng's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

He took a deep breath to suppress his excitement and hurriedly followed his trusted confidant to his home.

Once inside.

Upon seeing the two secret envoys from the capital, Lu Xiang-sheng immediately knelt down and said, "Your humble servant Lu Xiang-sheng kowtows to Your Majesty for good health!"

The two men quickly helped Lu Xiang-sheng up, saying, "Lord Lu is loyal to the emperor and loves his country; there's no need to concern yourself with these formalities."

"His Majesty has read the secret letter you wrote. His Majesty has an important matter that requires Lord Lu's cooperation, so he specially ordered the two of us to come and inform you in person."

Lu Xiang-sheng knelt down again: "If Your Majesty needs me to do anything for the Ming Dynasty, I will do it without hesitation."

Then, the two revealed in detail that His Majesty hoped Lu Xiangshan would act as an inside agent for the Ming Dynasty within the aristocratic families in Hebei.

Lu Xiang-sheng was also delighted upon hearing this.

Given his current position, becoming an inside man is indeed the best option for him.

This not only provides the capital with a constant stream of firsthand intelligence from within Hebei, but also catches everyone off guard at crucial moments.

To be honest, Lu Xiang-sheng was really afraid that His Majesty would ask him to do something like "recruiting soldiers and horses to quell the rebellion" in Daming Prefecture.

It wasn't that he was afraid of death, but rather that such a death would be meaningless to the Ming Dynasty.

The two secret envoys from the capital finished recounting the instructions given by Zhu Youjian.

He then took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Lu Xiang-sheng, saying:

"Lord Lu, His Majesty specifically instructed us to give this to you personally before we left the capital. It is only for you to see. Please keep it safe."

Lu Xiang-sheng solemnly accepted the imperial gift with both hands and was about to say something when he heard the other party say goodbye: "Lord Lu, there are many people and eyes in Daming Prefecture. We are in a hurry to return and report, so we will not stay any longer."

After saying that, the two of them turned and left without waiting for Lu Xiang-sheng to say anything more.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Lu Xiang-sheng took a while to calm himself down.

Then, filled with great curiosity, he opened the imperial envelope that had just been given to him.

Inside, a jade pendant and a piece of paper were visible.

Lu Xiang-sheng took out the jade pendant, his eyes already slightly red.

When he read the words written on the note, all the emotions that had been building up over the past few days could no longer be suppressed, and they all burst forth as tears from his eyes.

The paper read: "The subject will not betray the ruler, and the ruler will not betray the subject. All matters concerning cooperation can be decided by ourselves."

Just sixteen characters.

This made Lu Xiang-sheng feel a willingness to die for Zhu You-jian, whom he had never even met.

Whether it's genuine or feigned.

His Majesty has demonstrated through various actions during this period that he is wholeheartedly devoted to the Ming Dynasty.

If that's the case, what else can a subject say?

After washing away all the emotions in my heart with tears.

Lu Xiang-sheng wiped his face with a towel.

He then began to ponder how to better complete his undercover mission.

His Majesty instructed him to infiltrate the powerful families as much as possible.

This task sounds difficult, and it's even more so in practice.

Although he rose to the position of prefect of Daming Prefecture.

However, he had only been in office for a few months and had not yet had any dealings with the powerful families in the Hebei area.

Therefore, it's definitely impossible to go directly down this road.

Otherwise, if I rashly surrender, it will only arouse suspicion from the other side.

Therefore, he could only reach out to the powerful families in Hebei who were currently rebelling through a more roundabout method.

Lu Xiang-sheng immediately thought of the Donglin Party.

He could use his connections with the Donglin Party to get them to recommend him to the Shijia Group.

of course.

Lu Xiang-sheng knew that even with the recommendation of the Donglin Party, they wouldn't easily believe him, so he would definitely have to submit a pledge of loyalty.

For someone like him, an official of the Ming Dynasty in name only.

The best way to pledge allegiance is naturally to publicly attack the emperor and, incidentally, support the pseudo-emperor in Nanjing.

Lu Xiang-sheng originally had some psychological burden about this matter.

But Zhu Youjian's note and the jade pendant he kept close to his body gave him great confidence.

A subject will not betray his ruler, and a ruler will not betray his subject. What does temporary humiliation matter for the sake of the Ming Dynasty?
As for acting skills, there's no need to worry about that anymore. Lu Xiang-sheng is confident that if he really puts his heart and soul into acting, no one will be able to spot a single flaw.

That's just how things are in officialdom.

Whether one is a loyal minister or a treacherous minister, acting skills are a fundamental requirement.

Think of this.

Lu Xiang-sheng no longer hesitated and immediately wrote a letter to Chengxin, preparing to send someone to Jiangnan to deliver it to the Donglin Party.

What he didn't expect was...

The ink on the letter was still wet when a servant came in and said:
"My lord, the government office has just received an imperial decree from the emperor in the south, saying that a very important person wishes to see you and is currently waiting for you in the government office."

The emperor of the south?!
Upon hearing this, Lu Xiang-sheng frowned.

He knew that this imperial decree could not possibly have come from the emperor of the south.

I'm just a fourth-rank prefect, I'm afraid I'm not even worthy of the attention of those gentlemen in Jiangnan.

Thus.

That means it would only be if some powerful figures from certain aristocratic families in Hebei wanted to see him that he would suddenly come to Daming Prefecture.

Why did you choose this time to see me? Could it be that you want to use me against the emperor?
Think of this.

Lu Xiang-sheng suddenly felt a sense of divine blessing upon the Ming Dynasty.

He tucked the letter he had just written into his sleeve, then solemnly changed into his official robes and headed to the government office.

……

At this moment.

Within the government office of Daming Mansion.

Huang Ze, the head of the Huang family, was sitting in the seat that originally belonged to Lu Xiang Sheng, calmly sipping his fragrant tea.

This old man, who appeared out of nowhere, dared to sit in the official's seat with such arrogance.

Even Lu Xiang-sheng's direct subordinates in the government office dared not show any dissatisfaction.

Because this old man came with soldiers!
After putting down his teacup, Huang Ze played with the official seal on his table, while also pondering how to deal with Lu Xiang-sheng.

Just as prepared before coming.

If Lu Xiang-sheng shows even the slightest hesitation, he will kill him without hesitation.

A person who is capable but disloyal should absolutely not be allowed to stay in Hebei.

However, if the other party is willing to pledge allegiance to me, then I can give him a chance to prove himself.

For example, when besieging the emperor's cavalry force, you can let him participate to test his abilities.

As for how to confirm Lu Xiang-sheng's loyalty, Huang Ze thought it was very simple.

As long as Lu Xiang-sheng is willing to publicly express his support for the new emperor and obey the imperial edict to punish the false emperor.

That means it's usable.

Political statements cannot be said however one pleases.

Once Lu Xiang-sheng does this, it means that the other party is in the same boat as him.

Take ten thousand steps back.

Even if he wanted to change course and jump ship midway, the one in the north would absolutely not accept it.

Otherwise, I could easily send a large number of spies feigning surrender to his side and destroy him!
soon.

Lu Xiang-sheng, dressed in official robes, was then led into the hall.

Upon seeing the old man sitting directly in front of him, Lu Xiang-sheng immediately and "sensibly" knelt down with a thud.
"Your humble servant Lu Xiang-sheng pays his respects to Lord Huang!"

The servant who had led him in had already informed him who this old codger was, so Lu Xiang-sheng knew his surname.

Huang Ze felt a surge of joy upon seeing Lu Xiang Sheng kneeling on the ground.

Don’t say anything else.

Lu Xiang-sheng's appearance as a promising young talent is pleasing to the eye.

Moreover, Huang Ze was very satisfied with the attitude of bowing down immediately upon arrival.

Huang Ze said with a forced smile, "Lord Lu, I am but a recluse from the mountains, while you are an official of the imperial court. Why do you kneel before me?"

Lu Xiang-sheng prostrated himself on the ground again: "Your Excellency has come on the Emperor's orders, so this humble subject will naturally pay homage to Your Excellency."

Huang Ze raised an eyebrow.

Wow! This kid is much more savvy than I thought!

He's a pragmatic person.

It seems that his previous so-called righteous actions in supervising the Linqing warehouse were nothing more than a means to climb the social ladder.

Huang Ze didn't think much of it, after all, this kind of thing was very common in officialdom.

When Yan Song was young, he was a capable and outspoken official.

Huang Ze continued, "Lu Xiang-sheng, you were promoted by the late emperor, so you should be loyal to his successor, the one in the capital. Why are you following the new emperor's orders?!"

Lu Xiang-sheng replied without batting an eye, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the false emperor in the capital is cruel and tyrannical. Countless places within the Ming Dynasty have suffered because of him, and the officials and people of Daming Prefecture have long held a grudge against him."

"Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, we should naturally follow suit and set things right."

Huang Ze laughed heartily: "Good! What a wonderful act of restoring order!"

"Lu Xiang-sheng, you are a reasonable person. I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

What Lu Xiang-sheng just said has already completely made his position clear to me.

This is why Huang Ze laughed so hard.

On the one hand, this gave Huang Ze a psychological suggestion that his side was the popular choice.

On the other hand, with this additional ally, the powerful clans will be able to seize the emperor more easily.

Lu Xiang-sheng bowed his head and said, "Thank you for your kind words, sir."

Huang Ze stroked his beard with satisfaction and continued:

"Since you are willing to set things right, and are a smart man, I have a task for you. I wonder if you are willing to serve me?"

Lu Xiang-sheng raised his head, a hint of excitement flashing across his face: "Please speak frankly, my lord. I will follow you to the death!"

Huang Ze said, "His Majesty has issued an edict ordering us to punish the false emperor."

"Currently, there are several thousand rebel soldiers causing trouble in Shuntian Prefecture. I have heard that you are knowledgeable in military affairs, so I have decided to have you lead two thousand soldiers from Daming Prefecture to Shuntian Prefecture with me."

Before Huang Ze could finish speaking, Lu Xiang Sheng kowtowed repeatedly, his words of gratitude flowing out like silver coins.

By the way.

He also took out the letter he had written to the Donglin Party from his sleeve and presented it to Huang Ze with both hands:
"My lord, I was originally planning to use the Donglin Academy as a route to ask you for a job, but I never expected that you would come here before I could even send the letter."

"The word 'fate' is truly wonderful!"

Huang Ze laughed as he took the letter and read it, which made him even more convinced of Lu Xiang-sheng's loyalty.

From Huang Ze's perspective at that time.

Lu Xiang-sheng was nothing more than a courtier who would stop at nothing to climb the social ladder and gain wealth.

Such people are most useful if offered substantial rewards.

He patted Lu Xiang-sheng on the shoulder: "Seize this opportunity. If you perform exceptionally well, I will guarantee your Lu family wealth and prosperity for generations to come."

Lu Xiang-sheng's face lit up with excitement at the opportune moment: "Rest assured, my lord, I will certainly live up to your trust!"

Looking at the extremely humble Lu Xiang Sheng, Huang Ze pulled at his face and revealed a meaningful smile.

Wealth and status have indeed been the most alluring things throughout history.

What good is early fame? What good are lofty ambitions?

Even the proudest person will eventually bow their head in the face of the temptation of wealth and status.

Looking at the inexplicable smile on Huang Ze's face.

Lu Xiang-sheng maintained his obsequious demeanor on the surface, but his fingers gently rubbed the jade pendant inside his sleeve.

He roughly knew what Huang Ze was thinking.

In this regard.

He was unwilling or disdainful to argue with the other party or anyone else.

Even if you explain the principles of being a decent person to some people, they won't understand.

He's going to do it.

We must seize this opportunity at all costs and serve as an inside agent for His Majesty, for the Ming Dynasty, and for the world.

(End of this chapter)