He spoke for about an hour.
During this period, the old housekeeper went to visit the young master Ma Qi next door several times.
Seeing that it was almost time for dinner, Su Jing stood up, took out a bunch of copper coins from her arms, and put it on the table:
"I didn't bring any gifts. Your young master is seriously ill. Although the money is not much, I hope you will accept it as a token of your appreciation."
When the old housekeeper looked at the sling of copper coins, his first reaction was neither rejection nor acceptance.
Instead, he stared blankly.
Ever since Ma Zhiyuan was imprisoned, the Ma family's life has become increasingly difficult.
"Thank you so much, Master! You are so kind to me, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of you!"
The old housekeeper knelt down directly towards Su Jing, banging his head on the ground.
If it were before, there would be no way he would accept the money from Su Jing.
But now, the reality makes him unable to accept it.
Su Jing immediately helped the old housekeeper up and said, "No, that's all I can do. If you have anything else to do, I'll leave first."
It was obviously dinner time, but Su Jing was leaving.
The old housekeeper naturally saw what Su Jing meant at a glance. He knew that they were in embarrassment. If they didn't eat here, they could at least spend less money.
Su Jing and Zhu Biao are two people anyway.
If you really want to eat here, no matter how you deal with it, you have to have something to eat.
Entertaining is undoubtedly a kind of pressure for the current Ma family.
"Thank you very much, young master. Please leave your name. If there is an opportunity in the future, my young master will definitely thank you!"
The old housekeeper did not persuade him to stay, but solemnly said to Su Jing.
He is old and Ma Zhiyuan is already in prison.
Then only the young master Ma Qi can repay the kindness in the future.
"Su Jing."
Su Jing left a name and left with Zhu Biao.
In a civilian restaurant in Yingtian Mansion, Su Jing and Zhu Biao casually ordered two dishes to eat.
"Master Su, do you believe what the butler said?"
After taking a few bites, Zhu Biao couldn't wait to ask.
Su Jing said while picking up vegetables: "Why don't you believe it?"
Zhu Biao said: "Master Su, the dust of Ma Zhiyuan's case has been settled. There is absolutely no possibility of overturning the case. No matter what his butler says, it cannot change the reality."
Zhu Yuanzhang was ruthless in his pursuit of corruption, so he naturally focused on evidence.
Otherwise, how can we convince the public by killing so many officials?
Su Jing said calmly: "No, Niu Yi, make no mistake, these are two different things. We understand this case, and we are not trying to overturn Ma Zhiyuan's case."
"Um?"
Zhu Biao was stunned and a little confused.
Su Jing took him to see Ma Zhiyuan in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment first, and then met Ma Zhiyuan's family.
This is not to overturn the verdict, what is it for?
"Master Su, the student doesn't understand."
Zhu Biao said.
"Then hurry up and eat. We still have a lot of places to run in the afternoon. You will know then."
Su Jing urged and continued to eat.
On the other side, inside Fengxian Hall.
Zhu Yuanzhang was having a casual meal. He was a little tight on time these days because he had to deal with Su Jing's affairs.
During lunch, Lao Zhu dealt with it in Fengxian Hall.
Queen Ma was afraid that Lao Zhu would not eat well, so she was eating with Lao Zhu.
"Sister, are you saying that Su Jing and Biao'er are running around here to overturn the case of Ma Zhiyuan?"
Zhu Yuanzhang asked Queen Ma in confusion.
Zhu Yuanzhang was always paying attention to Su Jing's whereabouts in Yingtian Mansion.
Queen Ma said: "I don't know, but I believe Mr. Su must have a deep meaning in doing this. There may be something hidden in Master Ma's case."
For Su Jing, Queen Ma always gave unlimited trust.
Zhu Yuanzhang said resolutely: "Sister, this is impossible, but I have personally seen Ma Zhiyuan's case. There are both witnesses and physical evidence. It is impossible to reverse the case."
Because of Ma Zhiyuan's packing behavior at the New Year's banquet, he was registered with Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang had personally seen the cases and there was absolutely no possibility of them being unjust.
Empress Ma immediately said: "Yes, yes, Chongba, you are right. I didn't say that Mr. Su wanted to reverse the case. Why are you anxious? We can just wait and see."
Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "But what exactly does Su Jing want to do? What is the need to understand this ironclad case?"
…
After eating at the restaurant, Su Jing took Zhu Biao into the pharmacy.
Based on the prescription she got from the old housekeeper, Su Jing also found out the approximate price of the medicine from the shopkeeper.
Then, Su Jing took Zhu Biao to have a practical understanding of Yingtian's prices.
Including all aspects of food, clothing, housing and transportation, renting a house, eating, clothing, heating, etc...
By this time, almost two hours had passed.
As evening approached, Su Jing took Zhu Biao back to Niu Mansion.
At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was already waiting in Niu Mansion.
"Uncle, what, are you finished?"
Su Jing was a little surprised when she saw Zhu Yuanzhang.
He knew that Zhu Yuanzhang was a very famous model emperor and had a full day's work.
To be able to appear in front of him at this point is actually a bit surprising.
"Father."
Zhu Biao saluted Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly: "This is my home. Is it normal for me to be here? Why, Su Jing, do you think there is a problem?"
Since Su Jing wanted to act, Lao Zhu simply went on acting with Su Jing.
"Um...of course it's no problem."
Su Jing was stunned for a moment, truly confused by Zhu Yuanzhang's words.
What is this?
Has Lao Zhu started acting too?
Of course, Su Jing's reaction was also very quick.
"Su Jing, what are you doing with my son this day? I heard from the housekeeper that you have not been at home all day."
Zhu Yuanzhang asked Su Jing.
Although he knew, and he also knew that Su Jing knew that he knew, he still had to pretend to ask the housekeeper before he found out.
Su Jing replied: "It's nothing, I just have a little doubt about a case, so I went to understand the situation."
Su Jing knew that Zhu Yuanzhang knew everything he did, but he still had to pretend to answer.
Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Then what did you learn about the situation?"
In Ma Zhiyuan's case, Zhu Yuanzhang really didn't know what kind of tricks Su Jing could pull off. The evidence was solid, so what else could change.
"Don't worry, uncle."
Su Jing smiled and said, "Let me take a drink of water first."
As Su Jing was about to pour water, Zhu Biao, who had quick eyes and quick hands, immediately rushed in front to pour water for Su Jing.
"Master Su, drink."
Zhu Biao handed the poured water to Su Jing.
"good."
Su Jing nodded.
In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, this scene was extremely awkward.
If Su Jing had known Zhu Biao's identity before, it would have been easier to say that. Now Su Jing knew that everything was clear in her heart, so how could she still use Zhu Biao as before.
This is the prince!
The future emperor of Ming Dynasty!
No one of Zhu Biao's teachers would dare to do this to Zhu Biao, except Su Jing.
Su Jing could still be so calm and composed, still in front of herself.
For a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang doubted whether Su Jing didn't know his identity.
Gudu Gudu...
Su Jing drank a glass of water in one breath, and then said: "Uncle, let me talk to you about Ma Zhiyuan's case now."
While talking, Su Jing had already sat opposite Zhu Yuanzhang.
"I won't go into details about the specific circumstances of Ma Zhiyuan's case. I believe you also know it."
Su Jing said lightly.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "No, I understand everything."
Su Jing looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Niu Yi, tell me, what are the daily expenses of a sixth-grade official who is the head of the household branch of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Biao nodded and replied: "Yes, Master Su. The daily expenses of a sixth-grade official in the Ming Dynasty include renting a house, food, clothing, and some favors..."
During the previous investigation between Su Jing and Zhu Biao, Su Jing was asking questions, while Zhu Biao was taking notes.
Now, everything is quite clear.
Zhu Yuanzhang listened carefully and didn't think there was any problem.
But as Zhu Biao spoke, he felt something was wrong.
"To sum up, the daily expenses of a sixth-grade official are about seven dan per month."
Zhu Biao slowly came to his conclusion.
Su Jing nodded, and then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang. He thought that Zhu Yuanzhang should have some feelings after hearing this.
But obviously, he overestimated Zhu Yuanzhang.
"Su Jing, what do you mean? Is there any problem with the daily expenses of this sixth-grade official?"
Zhu Yuanzhang looked a little puzzled when he saw Su Jing looking at him.
When Lao Zhu asked this question, Su Jing was immediately confused.
This is so clear, don’t you know?
"Niu Yi, what is the salary standard for the sixth-rank officials of the Ming Dynasty?"
After a slight hesitation, Su Jing said to Zhu Biao on the side.
Zhu Biao replied: "The standard annual salary for a sixth-grade official in the Ming Dynasty is 100 shi."
"Uncle, you heard me, the annual salary is 100 shi, the daily expenses for a month are 7 shi, and the year is 84 shi. Don't you understand?"
Su Jing asked Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "Yes, the annual salary is 100 dan, and the annual expenses are 84 dan. Doesn't this leave 16 dan? Is there anything wrong with this salary?"
Zhu Yuanzhang had specially studied the salary of officials.
In his opinion, this salary is completely enough.
Su Jing was really speechless. Lao Zhu's brain was very smart most of the time, but sometimes he didn't know if he was really stupid.
"Father, what I just calculated is the minimum living standard for a sixth-grade official. According to such expenses, he doesn't even have money to buy gifts during the holidays."
Zhu Biao immediately said to Zhu Yuanzhang.
In fact, Zhu Biao realized it when he was calculating just now.
The salaries of daimyo officials are really low.
You must be honest and dedicated to the public, and you must be honest and simple in order to live on this salary.
Zhu Yuanzhang said disapprovingly: "Isn't there still a balance of 16 shi? Isn't this enough to buy some gifts?"
Zhu Biao immediately said: "Father, there are unpredictable events in the sky, and people have misfortunes and blessings. If you get sick or encounter some unexpected events, these expenses will not be enough."
Zhu Biao did not mention Ma Zhiyuan explicitly, but he believed that his father Zhu Yuanzhang must know the Ma Zhiyuan he was referring to.
Hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhu Yuanzhang became angry: "Boss, what do you mean by this? Do you want to tell me that Ma Zhiyuan was corrupt to save his children, so he should be acquitted ?"
"My child doesn't mean this!"
Zhu Biao immediately said: "Corruption is corruption and cannot be covered up for any reason."
Good guys, Su Jing looked at the father and son and suddenly felt that it was right to let Zhu Biao say it.
It would be really hard to say if he collided with himself.
"Uncle, I know you are in a hurry, but don't be anxious yet."
Su Jing said to Zhu Yuanzhang, but it was clear that there was a bit of ridicule in the words.
Obviously just now I felt that Zhu Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang were at war with each other, but now they are adding fuel to their jealousy.
"Why should I be so anxious? Su Jing, please explain clearly what you want to do."
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Su Jing with a straight face, and actually suppressed his anger.
? ? ?
Su Jing was quite surprised. In her previous life, this was a very powerful comment to provoke anger. Why did it not seem very useful to Zhu Yuanzhang?
It is not a good thing that Lao Zhu is not angry.
Su Jing's current thoughts are relatively simple.
Provoke Lao Zhu and make him give up the idea of letting him enter the court.
Of course, there are two possibilities for the consequences. One is to directly anger Lao Zhu, and the emperor will be angry and his head will fall to the ground.
If this is the case, then my own black technology can be used, and the fate between Su Jing and Zhu Biao will end here.
The other is to be more harmonious. Lao Zhu is angry, but he doesn't want to execute himself. After all, there is Queen Ma.
Now Su Jing, ever since she knew Zhu Yuanzhang's identity, was very happy that she still had a good relationship with Queen Ma.
He had kept all the gifts he had given before.
As long as Queen Ma is still here, the first situation will most likely not happen.
But what Su Jing didn't expect was that Lao Zhu could suppress his anger, which was really surprising.
Su Jing said lightly: "Uncle, what I want to say is not simple. According to the current official salary standards of the Ming Dynasty, if you want to be a non-corrupt official, you must be conscientious, diligent, hardworking and simple."
"That's right, shouldn't officials be like this?"
Zhu Yuanzhang asked rhetorically.
According to Lao Zhu's logic, officials should be like cows and horses, eating grass and milking cows. This is a must.
Su Jing said calmly: "Uncle, I can't say that what you said is wrong, but officials are not animals, they are all human beings. Since they are human beings, they must have humanity."
"For example, this Ma Zhiyuan, he is diligent, honest and honest, but he worked hard for the Ming Dynasty but could not save his son. What do you think he will think in his heart?"
"Let's just talk about our Majesty. He set the salary standards for these hundreds of officials. Because he experienced the turmoil at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, His Majesty knows very well how abominable those officials who care about people's lives and suck out their bones and marrow are, and how many people they have harmed."
"He did this for the sake of the people, right?"
Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a while, nodded and said: "Yes, your Majesty did this for the sake of the people."
Su Jing continued: "It's right to do so, and it's not unreasonable, but there is a saying that you don't worry about the scarcity but the inequality. The salary your Majesty sets for officials is very strict, but the standards for your own royal family members are many. Generous?"
"A plan that is strict with others but lenient with self-discipline is destined to be short-lived. To put it bluntly, there is a paper crotch under the iron threshold. How can it be good?"
(End of chapter)
