After a day's rest, the energy of the officials in the Inspectorate was obviously much better than before.
"I never thought that in the blink of an eye, it would be time to go on duty again!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished sighing, he slowly closed the Xianshu in front of him and drank the remaining tea in the cup.
At this moment, there was a knock on the door. Seeing this, Zhao Zhenji couldn't help but frown slightly, and then gave instructions.
"Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a subordinate staff member walked in and reported respectfully.
"Sir, there is a father-in-law waiting outside. It is said that he is following His Majesty's orders!"
"Well, I know, let him come in!"
After Zhao Zhenji learned from the subordinate official that the visitor was following Jiajing's order, he did not dare to neglect at all and hurriedly gave instructions.
"As you command, my lord!"
The subordinate clerk quickly left after responding. Not long after, an old eunuch was seen walking into the duty room where Zhao Zhenji was.
When Zhao Zhenji saw the old eunuch arriving, he quickly took the lead, stood up from his seat, and bowed respectfully to the old eunuch.
"I have met my father-in-law!"
When the old eunuch heard this, he responded in a subtle way. After looking Zhao Zhenji up and down, he confirmed to him.
"You are Zhao Zhenji, Master Zhao, right?"
"Well, that's right, I'm a lower official. May I ask my father-in-law why he came to the Inspectorate this time?"
A look of suspicion appeared on Zhao Zhenji's face, and then he looked at the old eunuch and asked.
"Our family came here this time in compliance with His Majesty's order. Mr. Zhao, please come with our family!"
After saying these words, the old eunuch walked away minding his own business.
Seeing this situation, Zhao Zhenji hurriedly followed the old eunuch in three steps and two steps at a time. In this way, the two of them, one behind the other, headed towards the direction of Qianqing Palace.
…
Although on the way to Qianqing Palace, Zhao Zhenji did not have any communication with the old eunuch who was responsible for leading the way.
But Zhao Zhenji had already vaguely guessed Jiajing's purpose this time.
"It will be mid-August soon, and the mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang are also approaching maturity. In other words, His Majesty probably wants me to officially take office this time!"
Zhao Zhenji thought so as he looked at the old eunuch who was leading the way in front of him.
When the two of them were less than fifty meters away from the Qianqing Palace, they saw the old eunuch stopped, turned around, and gave instructions to Zhao Zhenji.
"Excuse me, Mr. Zhao, please wait here for a moment. Someone will come to pick you up soon!"
"Well, thank you for your work, father-in-law!"
After Zhao Zhenji heard this, a look of gratitude appeared on his face at the right time, and he bowed his hand to the old eunuch to express his gratitude.
When the old eunuch heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, and then walked away.
Just as the old eunuch said before, soon, there was a figure in the distance walking towards where Zhao Zhenji was.
Later, the distance between the two parties became closer and closer, and Zhao Zhenji could barely see the person coming clearly. The person who came was none other than Lu Fang, the eunuch of the Chief of Ceremonies!
When Lu Fang came to Zhao Zhenji, a look of fear suddenly appeared on Zhao Zhenji's face. He leaned down and said respectfully.
"I have met Eunuch Lu!"
Seeing this, Lu Fang had a warm smile on her face, waved her hands, and then spoke.
"Master Zhao, there is no need to be so polite. Come with our family. Your Majesty is waiting for you inside!"
"Well, I'm here to help Eunuch Lu!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he followed Lu Fang's steps step by step and stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace.
"Your Majesty, Master Zhao is here!"
After the two entered the Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang looked at Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and bowed.
"Well, I know!"
Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words and nodded slightly to him. Then, Lu Fang came to stand beside Jiajing as before.
Then, Zhao Zhenji was seen kneeling on the ground respectfully and said in a deep voice.
"I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!"
"Well, get up!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced over Zhao Zhenji's body and gave instructions.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After receiving Jiajing's permission, Zhao Zhenji slowly stood up from the ground.
Shortly after Zhao Zhenji got up from the ground, Jiajing raised his eyebrows and asked.
"Zhao Zhenji, do you know why I called you here this time?"
"Your Majesty, this humble minister is stupid, please speak clearly!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard Jiajing's words, his face was full of humility and he responded respectfully.
Jiajing took in the expression on Zhao Zhenji's face, and after pondering for a moment, he spoke slowly.
"Zhao Zhenji, it's almost mid-August now. I think it's time for you to set off and take up a post in Zhejiang!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Zhenji saw that the development of the matter was as he had expected earlier. While he breathed a sigh of relief, he also turned his gaze to Jiajing and said in a deep voice.
Jiajing couldn't help but feel relieved when he saw that Zhao Zhenji agreed so simply and without any hesitation.
Then, Jiajing was seen gently stroking the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, looking at Zhao Zhenji and giving instructions in a leisurely manner.
"When you are ready, let's officially set off. In addition, I give you the right to kill first and then report later!"
As soon as these words came out, not only Zhao Zhenji, but also Lu Fang who was on the side was quite surprised by this.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, you... you are..."
Because the news was so shocking, Zhao Zhenji did not react for a while. He only saw him looking at Jiajing dumbfounded and asked cautiously.
Jiajing saw the expression on Zhao Zhenji's face, chuckled, and then explained.
"Zhao Zhenji, you must be very clear in your heart. There are many people in the court who want to take advantage of the mature mulberry seedlings in Zhejiang to get a share of the pie. I give you the right to kill first and then report later. This is also to make it easier for you to do things without restraint. too much!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely serve you as your Majesty. I will go through fire and water, even to the death!"
After listening to Jiajing's explanation, Zhao Zhenji also understood instantly. Then, he knelt down on the ground with a thump and said in a deep voice.
Seeing this, Jiajing looked away from Zhao Zhenji, nodded, and gave instructions.
"Well, get up!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After Zhao Zhenji responded, he slowly stood up from the ground. After that, he only heard Jiajing's ancient well-waveless voice ringing in his ears.
"By the way, Zhao Zhenji, do you still remember what I told you earlier?"
"Is it possible that what Your Majesty is referring to is the secret investigation of the hidden population and land of the wealthy gentry?"
Zhao Zhenji heard Jiajing's words and asked tentatively.
When Jiajing heard what Zhao Zhenji said, he nodded, turned his eyes to Zhao Zhenji, and warned him seriously.
"Well, yes, this matter is a top priority. You must pay more attention and never let any news leak out. Do you understand?"
"I obey, Your Majesty. I will definitely live up to Your Majesty's trust. If there is even the slightest mistake, I am willing to come and see you!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he immediately looked stern, lowered his head, and made a promise to Jiajing.
After receiving Zhao Zhenji's assurance, Jiajing waved his hand and followed up with instructions.
"Well, Zhao Zhenji, I still have things to deal with next, so you can resign!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will resign now!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he bowed his hand to Jiajing, turned around and left Qianqing Palace without any hesitation.
After Zhao Zhenji walked out of Qianqing Palace, his face showed a look of loss, looking at the scenery in the distance, he said with emotion.
"Oh, I didn't expect that this day would come so soon!"
Then, Zhao Zhenji calmed down, suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, shook his head, and walked straight down the steps of Qianqing Palace.
…
It was getting late, at Hai Rui's mansion in the capital.
In the study, the orange light clearly reflected Hai Rui's figure. At this moment, Hai Rui was in the study, methodically processing the official documents brought back from the Inspectorate.
In late July, Hai Rui and his wife Wang, along with all their belongings, moved out of the house that Zhao Zhenji had let them live in temporarily when they first came to the capital, and moved to their current mansion.
This mansion was given to Hai Rui by Jiajing earlier. It is located in the most prosperous street in the capital, and is surrounded by high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
When Hai Rui and his wife Wang moved to this mansion, many officials who heard about it came to visit and brought valuable gifts.
After all, Hai Rui is now the censor of the right capital of the Inspectorate. One of the highest officials of the Inspectorate is an elusive and unattainable existence!
If we can take this opportunity to establish a good relationship with Hai Rui, we can avoid a lot of trouble in the future. Therefore, driven by this idea, there is an endless stream of officials coming to visit every day, which makes Hai Rui and his His wife Wang couldn't bear the disturbance.
Later, Hai Rui came up with a clever plan. He ordered people to keep several dogs at home and posted a sign on the door saying there was a vicious dog inside.
After seeing this sign, the knowledgeable officials stopped visiting. However, some officials who did not believe in evil inevitably gave up the idea of visiting the house after trying several times and almost being bitten by dogs.
After Hai Rui put the completed official documents aside, he rubbed his temples with a look of exhaustion on his face.
At this moment, there was just a "squeak" sound, and the door of the room was pushed open, and Hai Rui's wife Wang walked in, carrying a tray. On the tray, in addition to the steaming teapot, , and a few plates of simple snacks.
Although Hai Rui is now the censor of Youdu and one of the highest officials of the Inspectorate, Wang's dress is still quite simple, not much different from when Hai Rui was the magistrate of Chun'an County.
Mrs. Wang saw the tired look on Hai Rui's face, with an angry look on her face, and then came to Hai Rui. After pouring him a cup of steaming tea, she spoke.
"Look at you, you are already the censor of Youdu, a high-ranking second-rank official in the imperial court!"
"If you have something to do, you should do it yourself. Wouldn't you just leave the matter at hand to your subordinates?"
Hai Rui knew that Wang was caring about his body, so he laughed twice to ease the embarrassment.
"As the censor of Youdu, I naturally have to set a good example for my subordinates!"
After Hai Rui finished speaking, he picked up a piece of snack from the tray and put it into his mouth.
Then, Hai Rui turned his attention to his wife, Wang, and asked, "By the way, how is the situation in the mansion recently?"
Wang heard what Hai Rui said and after thinking about it for a moment, she responded.
"The current situation in the house is pretty good. Apart from daily expenses and the servants' monthly allowance, there aren't any big expenses!"
When Wang said this, he changed the subject, turned his attention to Hai Rui, and continued excitedly.
"The method you thought of earlier is really great. After raising a few dogs at home, there will be fewer people visiting!"
After hearing what his wife, Wang, said, Hai Rui was deeply moved, with a lonely expression on his face, and then spoke.
"Well, there is an old saying that says that the capital is not the best place. Now it seems that this sentence is true!"
"Now, as the right censor of the Inspectorate, I have to be even more careful in everything. I don't know how many pairs of eyes are staring at me from both the government and the public!"
Wang who was standing aside saw her husband Hai Rui with a lonely expression on his face. She couldn't help but feel tense and ashamed. She immediately stepped forward and spoke.
"It's all my fault. I had to let you come to the capital in the first place. What if..."
Before Wang could finish her words, she was interrupted by Hai Rui categorically: "No, you are right. Sometimes, only when you reach that position can you be free from shackles. A seventh-grade county magistrate is You can’t help the world at the same time!”
When Hai Rui said this, he couldn't help but pause for a moment, looked away from Wang, and said silently to himself.
"I am now the censor of the right capital of the Inspectorate, and the duty of the Inspectorate is to rectify the civil service system and impeach corrupt officials!"
"Just wait, I, Hai Rui, will definitely remove you from the officialdom and bring peace to the people of the Ming Dynasty!"
After Hai Rui finished speaking, he couldn't help but clenched his fists, his face full of determination.
…
Not long after that, the boy in charge of the door came to report that he was the housekeeper of Zhao Zhenji's house and came to visit him personally.
Seeing this situation, Hai Rui did not hesitate at all and immediately ordered the housekeeper of Zhao Zhenji's house to be invited to the hall specially used for entertaining guests.
When Hai Rui arrived in the hall, the butler, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately came up to him, leaned down and said respectfully.
"Young ones have met adults!"
"Um."
When Hai Rui heard the words, he responded in a subtle way, then sat down on his own, looked at the butler up and down, and then asked.
"Tell me, why did your master send you here?"
The butler heard Hai Rui's words and after organizing the words in his mind, he responded respectfully.
"If you want to reply to your lord, my lord invites you to come and have a talk at my house!"
When Hai Rui heard this, he couldn't help but frown slightly. Based on his understanding of Zhao Zhenji, Zhao Zhenji would never act like this if it was not a critical moment.
"Could it be that Mr. Zhao encountered some unexpected situation?"
Hai Rui thought this, and immediately came back to his senses, looked at the housekeeper, nodded, and said.
"Well, I know it. You go back and report it, and I will be there immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
When the butler heard this, his face was full of relief. After he bowed his hand to Hai Rui and expressed his gratitude, he turned and left.
After the housekeeper sent by Zhao Zhenji left, Hai Rui immediately ordered someone to prepare a sedan chair and prepare to go to Zhao Zhenji's house.
Hai Rui's wife, Wang, had a worried look on her face after learning the news. She came to Hai Rui and asked softly.
"What happened? Why are you going out so late at night?"
Hai Rui saw the worried look on his wife Wang's face, waved his hand quite casually, and spoke comforting words.
"It's okay, it's just that Mr. Zhao wants to discuss something with me!"
When Hai Rui said this, he seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and then added another sentence.
"By the way, you don't have to wait for me tonight, you can go to sleep first!"
After saying these words, Hai Rui hurriedly rode in a sedan chair and headed towards Zhao Zhenji's mansion in the capital.
…
When Hai Rui arrived at Zhao Zhenji's residence in the capital in a sedan, he happened to bump into several officials who had just come out of the house.
When those officials saw that the visitor was Shi Hairui, the censor of the right capital of the Inspectorate, a look of surprise flashed across their faces.
Afterwards, after the two parties exchanged a few words, the officials left in a hurry.
After that, Hai Rui was led to the study in the inner courtyard by the housekeeper of Zhao Zhenji's house.
At this moment, Zhao Zhenji was in the room, meticulously organizing the books on the bookshelf that needed to be taken away.
When Zhao Zhenji saw Hai Rui arriving, she quickly put the books in her hands aside and stood up to greet him.
Seeing this, Hai Rui quickly took the lead and saluted him respectfully.
"Meet the adults!"
"Hai Rui, there is no need for you and me to be so open to each other!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he waved his hand quite casually and then spoke.
"The room is a bit messy, please sit down first, I will finish sorting these things soon!"
Zhao Zhenji said this, pointed to the empty seat in the room, and gave instructions quite casually.
When Hai Rui heard this, he didn't refuse and sat down on the empty seat in the study.
Hai Rui looked at Zhao Zhenji, who was concentrating on sorting out books. An ominous premonition suddenly flashed through his heart, and he asked, "Sir, what are you doing?"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji put the book in his hand aside, sighed, and spoke slowly.
"Hai Rui, to be honest, His Majesty summoned me to the Qianqing Palace not long ago!"
"Could it be because..."
Hai Rui couldn't help but feel a thump in his heart when he heard what Zhao Zhenji said. He quickly came back to his senses and cautiously confirmed to Zhao Zhenji.
Zhao Zhenji saw the expression on Hai Rui's face, nodded, and said slowly.
"Well, that's right. Your Majesty asked me to officially go to Zhejiang to take up my post when I'm ready!"
Although Hai Rui had been mentally prepared for this before, when he actually learned the news from Zhao Zhenji, he couldn't help but feel a little complicated emotion in his heart.
Then, Hai Rui turned his attention to Zhao Zhenji and asked.
"Then...when are you going to set off, sir?"
"Well, probably in two days!"
After hearing this, Zhao Zhenji pondered for a moment before giving a response.
After that, there was no communication between the two parties, and Hai Rui just looked at Zhao Zhenji and sorted the books into categories.
Time passed by so slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed. Zhao Zhenji wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeves. He breathed a sigh of relief and said to himself.
"Phew, it's finally sorted out!"
After doing this, Zhao Zhenji looked at Hai Rui with an apology on his face.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long!"
"It's okay, my lord, please do as you please!"
Seeing this, Hai Rui quickly stood up from his seat, cupped his hands towards Zhao Zhenji, and then spoke.
Afterwards, Zhao Zhenji took a short rest and sat directly on the main seat.
Soon after, the housekeeper who had led Hai Rui to the study room in the inner courtyard also brought a bowl of steaming tea to each of them.
Zhao Zhenji took the tea cup from the butler's hand, turned his eyes to Hai Rui, said slowly with a smile on his face.
"Hai Rui, try it. This is the famous Shifeng Longjing. I spent a lot of effort to get it!"
"Um."
When Hai Rui heard what Zhao Zhenji said, he responded in a subtle way, then picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip.
"Well, this tea has a sweet aftertaste with a hint of bitterness. It's really good tea!"
Hai Rui put the teacup in his hand aside, looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenji, and praised him.
Zhao Zhenji was quite impressed by Hai Rui's words. After taking a sip, he nodded and explained.
"Well, that's natural. This Shifeng Longjing tea is no better than other teas, but it's just too expensive!"
After finishing his emotion, Zhao Zhenji put down the tea cup in his hand, looked at Hai Rui aside, and took the lead in provoking the topic.
"Hai Rui, you must have met a few officials when you came here, right?"
"Yes, my lord!"
When Hai Rui heard what Zhao Zhenji said, he had no intention of hiding it and nodded.
"They are all my old friends. We are Jinshi in the same ranking. In two days, I, Zhao Zhenji, will officially leave to take up a post in Zhejiang, so I specially inform them!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he seemed to think of the past years, and his face was full of nostalgia.
Seeing this situation, Hai Rui hesitated for a long time before turning his gaze to Zhao Zhenji and asked: "Then... Sir, what is the purpose of calling me here this time..."
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji chuckled, then looked directly into Hai Rui's eyes and spoke seriously.
"I called you here this time mainly because I have something to ask you!"
"Sir, just say what you say, and I will do my best!"
When Hai Rui heard what Zhao Zhenji said, he immediately stood up from his seat and said in a deep voice.
Seeing this, Zhao Zhenji's face was filled with relief. Then, he waved his hand quite casually, signaling Hai Rui to sit down.
After Hai Rui sat back on the chair, Zhao Zhenji continued.
"Hai Rui, you must also know that it is easy to offend people in the position of supervisory censor. But after I have been the supervisory censor for so many years, I have offended many people!"
"I'm worried that someone will take advantage of my time in Zhejiang to attack my family!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he paused for a moment and then continued.
"So I hope you can take good care of my family after I leave the capital!"
"Don't worry, sir. As long as I'm here, they won't be able to cause any trouble!"
When Hai Rui heard what Zhao Zhenji said, he immediately stood up from his seat and made his promise without thinking.
"Okay, with your words, I can feel free to go to Zhejiang to work!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he changed the topic, looked in the direction of Hai Rui, and then warned him.
"By the way, Hai Rui, after I leave the capital, you must be more careful and pay attention to everything!"
"The water in this capital city is much deeper than you think. If you don't pay attention, your family will be destroyed!"
After hearing Zhao Zhenji's reminder, Hai Rui couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. His face was filled with gratitude, he lowered his head and responded respectfully.
"Thank you sir for reminding me, I understand!"
Then, Hai Rui looked directly into Zhao Zhenji's eyes and suggested this.
"Sir, in two days' time it will be my turn to rest. When the time comes, I will go and see you off in person!"
"Well, thank you!"
Zhao Zhenji did not reject Hai Rui's proposal. He knew very well that Hai Rui planned to use this opportunity to warn those behind the scenes.
"It seems that recommending Hai Rui to the imperial court to serve in the Inspectorate was the most correct decision I made in my life!"
Zhao Zhenji thought so, with an inexplicable look in his eyes. (End of chapter)
