Chapter 58. The world needs corrupt officials.
"Master Zhao, please, let my brother go."
When he said this, Liu Rui knelt in front of Zhao Junchen, with a hint of crying that he could no longer hold on.
Different from the shyness before, not daring to look at Zhao Junchen, Liu Rui raised her head now, her timid eyes clearly contained some persistence that could not be ignored.
Hearing these words and looking at Liu Rui's expression, Zhao Junchen was slightly startled, but after a moment he understood Liu Rui's thoughts and secretly praised in his heart: "What a smart girl."
"Get up, it's not convenient for you to talk to me while you're kneeling like this."
Zhao Junchen said softly.
Liu Rui did not stand up, but still knelt there, looking gentle and weak, but trying her best to show her firmness and perseverance.
Seeing Liu Rui like this, Zhao Junchen sighed softly and said: "Since you know who I am, you must also understand that people like me will not be so easy to be soft-hearted, let alone change easily. The idea is the same no matter how long you kneel here. Instead of insisting on it, which will bore me and cause more harm than good, why not follow my wishes and stand up and talk to me properly? In this case, maybe you have a greater chance of convincing me. .”
Liu Rui was slightly startled when she heard what Zhao Junchen said. She thought that Zhao Junchen would ruthlessly refuse, and she also thought that Zhao Junchen would agree because of his soft heart, but she never thought that someone like Zhao Junchen would actually be with her. Be reasonable and gentle.
After hesitating for a moment, Liu Rui finally stood up.
It was just a rush of energy, a second failure, and a third failure. After such a fuss, the courage and persistence that Liu Rui finally mustered up in her heart were inexplicably missing. She did not dare to look at Zhao Junchen anymore and lowered her head again. , with a soft voice, pleading and trembling, he said again: "Sir, you, please let my brother go."
Zhao Junchen looked at Liu Rui in front of him seriously and asked: "Why do you beg me like this? I don't intend to murder you brothers and sisters. If that's the case, how can I let you go?"
Hearing Zhao Junchen's question, Liu Rui hesitated for a moment, and finally bit her teeth and replied: "The Liu family is in a state of decline, and my brother and I have nothing. How can those two ancient paintings be worthy of your attention? Sir, you treat us brothers and sisters so favorably, I'm afraid it's because of our father."
Having said this, Liu Rui felt more courageous, and finally raised her head again, her voice trembling with determination: "Brother, his origin is the only thing that adults value, and it is also the only thing that can be used. But, daddy My last wish is for my brother to be a gentleman. I don’t know how you plan to arrange for my brother, but I know that if this continues, what he does will run counter to my father’s last wish, and it will even affect the Daddy’s reputation during his lifetime.”
Zhao Junchen nodded with interest in his eyes and motioned for Liu Rui to continue.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Liu Rui felt inexplicably panicked for some reason, but she still said in a trembling voice: "Dad was killed by traitors during his lifetime. His family was confiscated, he was demoted to the people, and he lost everything. He was also depressed in his later years, but In any case, he still has expectations for his brother and his reputation for honesty and integrity. These are the only things he has left with his father. If these are lost again, then his father will really have nothing. I am afraid that he will be under Jiuquan. , and it’s hard to rest in peace. I am my father’s daughter, how can I just sit idly by and ignore him? So, sir, I beg you, for the sake of the Liu family’s desolation, please let my brother go.”
Speaking of this, Liu Rui's eyes were red and misty, but she bit her pink lips lightly and insisted not to cry. She just looked at Zhao Junchen with a pleading look, hoping that Zhao Junchen would agree.
Seeing Liu Rui's appearance, Zhao Junchen sighed softly again, with a little pity in his eyes.
Such pity is not because of Liu Rui's pitiful appearance and desolate expression, but because in the final analysis, all Liu Rui's persistence is just because she wants to fulfill her father's last wish and preserve her father's reputation. Such persistent expectations are very small. It's very humble, but in Zhao Junchen's opinion, it is destined to be impossible to achieve.
"Miss Liu Rui, I admire your filial piety and kindness, and I'm impressed by your smart vision." At this point, Zhao Junchen's eyes flashed with unbearability, but he continued: "It's just that, although I understand your I also understand your father’s thoughts, but have you ever understood your brother’s thoughts?”
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Rui's body suddenly trembled and her face became a little pale.
Facing Liu Rui, Zhao Junchen sighed a lot today for some reason.
After sighing again, Zhao Junchen said softly: "I think you know my reputation among the people very well. It is not an exaggeration to say that I am notorious, but I can assure you that since I became an official, no matter how I treat anyone, People mainly rely on persuasion. Of course, you can also interpret this kind of persuasion as coercion and inducement, but I will indeed leave other options for them. If they are unwilling, I will rarely force it unless it is absolutely necessary. "
After a pause in his tone, giving Liu Rui some time to understand, Zhao Junchen continued: "My attitude towards your brother is the same. I will never force myself to do anything to him. I will leave him a choice, what will he do?" Whatever he chooses to do, it all depends on him. Frankly speaking, after honest officials like you, there are many in the world, and there are many who are willing to use me, no more for you, no more for you, as long as your brother refuses, I’m not going to embarrass him because I have other options.”
After still sighing, Zhao Junchen said slowly: "So, instead of begging me, you might as well persuade your brother. As long as he wants to be a gentleman, I will naturally give up on him and choose someone else. You can say, The decision-making power in this matter does not lie with me to a large extent, but with your brother. But frankly speaking, based on my understanding of your brother, it is already obvious what choice he will make next, and it will be difficult for you. Make him change his mind."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Rui swayed slightly and his face became paler.
Why doesn't Liu Rui understand what Zhao Junchen said?
It was precisely because she understood that she came to beg Zhao Junchen instead of persuading Liu Zimin.
As Zhao Junchen said, there is no doubt about the choice Liu Zimin will make, and it is something she cannot change at all.
Try your best, put all your efforts, give everything, but in the end you find that the trajectory of fate is still moving in the direction you least want to see. This may be the cruelty of fate.
Seeing the change in Liu Rui's expression, which finally settled into a daze and helplessness, his thin and delicate body seemed to be trembling with cold, Zhao Junchen still sighed.
"Miss Liu Rui, what I say next may be a bit hypocritical, but it is indeed my sincere words." Zhao Junchen said softly: "In my opinion, your brother will do what he said regardless of my presence or not. Similar choices are just sooner or later. Character determines choice, and choice determines fate, and fate cannot be escaped. Rather than letting him be used by others in the future, it is better for him to be used by me. At least, I will arrange his use. , will not damage your father’s reputation, although it may go against your father’s last wish.”
"Yes, character determines choice, and choice determines destiny. What you said is really insightful. After father died, auntie was too doting on her brother after all..."
After muttering softly to himself, Liu Rui forced a smile, bowed to Zhao Junchen, and said softly: "Sorry to disturb you, sir."
After the words fell, Liu Rui turned around and left, her steps staggering slightly.
After all, she couldn't convince Zhao Junchen, and this sentence meant that she gave up all her persistence.
As he turned around, the sadness in his expression made people feel distressed, and two lines of cold tears fell from his face.
"Miss Liu, please stay." Looking at Liu Rui's back, Zhao Junchen said suddenly.
Liu Rui wiped the tears from her face, turned around, and asked softly: "What else can you do, sir?"
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he suddenly laughed at himself and shook his head: "It's nothing. I just wanted to ask the girl a question, but suddenly I found that the question already had the answer. It's just that my little mind can't think like the girl. I know If you see obstacles, you will fall into the inferior realm."
Just now, Zhao Junchen wanted to ask Liu Rui, the Liu family was so unkind to her and repeatedly treated her with contempt and mistreatment, treating her like a slave. If so, why should she be so persistent in Liu Wencai's last wish and reputation? Why should he care so much whether Liu Zimin went astray?
But then, Zhao Junchen discovered that during these days in the officialdom, he was used to calculating everything and calculating gains and losses, but he forgot that for Liu Rui, there seemed to be no inevitable connection between the two.
The term "little people's thoughts" is not just self-deprecating. Zhao Junchen has long forgotten how to be a gentleman.
………
On the other side, Liu Rui was stunned when he saw Zhao Junchen claiming to be a "little person" with a calm face.
Not knowing where the impulse came from, Liu Rui suddenly asked: "Sir, why do you want to be a..."
Halfway through her words, Liu Rui's voice suddenly paused, and a hint of embarrassment and hesitation flashed across her expression.
Seeing Liu Rui's appearance, Zhao Junchen already understood her question and said with a smile: "You want to ask, why should I be a corrupt official?"
Liu Rui's expression became more and more embarrassed, but seeing that Zhao Junchen's expression was calm and not angry, he finally nodded and said softly: "Your Excellency, you don't look like a corrupt official."
Under the embarrassment, the previous confusion and helplessness finally faded away.
"I don't know if I look like a corrupt official, but I am indeed a corrupt official. There is no need to hide this." Zhao Junchen smiled and said leisurely: "In this world, where there is light, there is darkness, and existence is reasonable. This world needs corrupt officials." , that’s why corrupt officials exist. Emperors need corrupt officials to check and balance honest officials and wise ministers, because the thoughts of honest officials and wise ministers are not necessarily the thoughts of the emperor, and corrupt officials can also attract public resentment for the emperor and make the emperor distance himself; Corrupt officials are needed to show their existence. If there were no corrupt officials in the world, they would be just a group of boastful people. How could they prove their integrity? Businessmen and landlords need corrupt officials because corrupt officials can provide them with various conveniences, power and money. Under the deal, they will become richer; even ordinary people need corrupt officials so that they can have channels to vent their grievances and blame their failures on other reasons."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen spread his hands and said with a smile: "Look, everyone needs corrupt officials, how can corrupt officials disappear? How many scholars have noble aspirations before entering officialdom, but how many can maintain it in the end? Girl Do you really think this is just because of their personal moral character? Wrong, it is because the surrounding environment requires them to become corrupt officials, so they are corrupt officials."
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen pointed at himself and continued: "As for why I want to be a corrupt official? It's because His Majesty wants me to be a corrupt official. My colleagues around me want me to be a corrupt official. Even the prince who is famous all over the world today also wants me to be a corrupt official." I need to be a corrupt official. I can't go against the will of the world. I want to live well, so I can only become a corrupt official. I have no other choice."
Regarding Zhao Junchen's words, Liu Rui seemed to understand something. She felt that there seemed to be something wrong with what Zhao Junchen said, but she could not find anything to refute.
Subconsciously, Liu Rui took the initiative to look at Zhao Junchen, but saw that Zhao Junchen's eyes were clear and he did not look like he was lying at all.
Then, for some reason, Liu Rui believed Zhao Junchen's fallacies.
She couldn't stop her brother from becoming a corrupt official, but Zhao Junchen couldn't stop himself from becoming a corrupt official.
From this aspect, Zhao Junchen seems to be even more pitiful than her.
Inexplicably, Liu Rui felt a little more pity for Zhao Junchen that should never exist.
"My lord, aren't you tired?"
Liu Rui looked at Zhao Junchen and asked softly.
Hearing Liu Rui's question, Zhao Junchen shook his head and said, "I was a little tired at first, but gradually I got used to it and even became calm, you see." As he spoke, Zhao Junchen pointed to his study room, Luxurious decoration: "Being a corrupt official has its benefits. At least, before you are abandoned, you will live a very comfortable life. You can stretch out your hands with clothes and open your mouth with food. You can spend a lot of money with rich clothes and fine food. Although you may only be proud for a while, you will be proud after all. pass."
Noticing the pity in Liu Rui's eyes, Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, saying, "Silly girl, how can you pity a corrupt official?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Liu Rui's face turned slightly red.
After hesitating for a moment, Liu Rui said again: "Sir, have you never thought about becoming an upright official?"
"I have thought about it, but it is not realistic." Zhao Junchen laughed: "What's more, the life of an honest official is too difficult and difficult. Therefore, I will become a corrupt official. In the end, I have my own reasons."
After Liu Rui was silent for a moment, she nodded, bowed again, then turned and left.
"Unsatisfactory life will happen ten times out of ten. If you work hard, you can feel at ease and don't have to worry too much."
Looking at Liu Rui's back, Zhao Junchen said.
Liu Rui seemed to nod, but it seemed she didn't, but her back quickly disappeared from Zhao Junchen's eyes.
………
Liu Rui had been gone for a long time, but Zhao Junchen had no intention of continuing to handle official duties. Looking back on the conversation just now, he was a little surprised.
He didn't understand why he said so much to Liu Rui.
Those previous words were, to a certain extent, sincere words, but Zhao Junchen had indeed not spoken sincerely to anyone for a long time.
Perhaps it was because he was used to seeing people wearing masks and seeing falsehoods, so when he suddenly faced a person without a mask, a person who truly revealed all kinds of emotions, Zhao Junchen himself subconsciously turned his face The mask was taken off?
Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, put aside the complicated thoughts in his heart, and continued to deal with the various official affairs on the table.
Some questions may seem profound, but they are not worth continuing to think about.
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