Daming: Old Zhu, we agreed not to rush!

"Master Zhao, I am here tonight, and I have already talked about this, but you are still hiding it. Isn't it too much?"

Su Jing closed the book: "Or do you think Mr. Zhao thinks that I really haven't noticed what Mr. Zhao has done in the past few days?"

In the room, the candlelight was faintly bright, far less bright than the small stove in the yard.

Zhao Rongzhen's expression seemed to have changed, but it didn't seem to have happened.

"Uncle Ren Yuan, what exactly do you want to say to me?"

Zhao Rongzhen said after a moment of silence.

Finally, I stopped pretending that I didn’t know anything.

Su Jing cursed inwardly and said calmly: "Since the prince and I came to Wenzhou Mansion, everything must have been arranged by Mr. Zhao."

"Whether it was your behavior when we first met that caused the prince's dissatisfaction, or the subsequent inspection of the granary, the perfect grain book, and the servant Xiaoliu assigned to me."

"Even the case in Yongjia County is probably part of your plan."

Some things are too smooth and appear fake.

Although Su Jing didn't know how Zhao Rongzhen did this, after all, when the prince came to Wenzhou, he didn't send someone to notify him until he was not far outside the city.

In such a short time, it was already quite full for Zhao Rongzhen to arrange.

"Uncle Ren Yuan's words are too ridiculous. He is just a minister, how can he do such a thing."

Zhao Rongzhen denied this fact directly.

Su Jing did not dwell on this, but asked: "Mr. Zhao, what do you usually teach when you are literacy?"

Literacy?

Zhao Rongzhen was stunned, and then asked: "Uncle Renyuan, what does literacy mean?"

Su Jing naturally said this on purpose, just to make Zhao Rongzhen take the initiative to speak.

"I was too hasty. I coined the word literacy myself. The so-called blind refers to illiteracy. For the people of the Ming Dynasty, those who are illiterate are illiterate, and literacy is to make these illiterate people read."

Su Jing briefly explained that this matter naturally refers to the fact that Zhao Rongzhen sometimes taught the boys how to read in the government office.

Zhao Rongzhen was also a scholar, so he understood it immediately, and immediately said: "Xiaoguan has learned it. Ren Yuanbo is really well-deserved. Although the word literacy is a bit novel, it is very concise and expresses the meaning. I admire it!"

Su Jing waved her hand: "It's just a word. Compared to me, Mr. Zhao can teach those boys. This is a great merit."

"Uncle Ren Yuan, do you think what the official taught you was right?"

Zhao Rongzhen said a little surprised.

Su Jing smiled and said: "What Mr. Zhao said, literacy is a great thing. Xiao Liu will be so happy if he can read. What's wrong with that?"

When Zhao Rongzhen heard this, he said calmly: "Uncle Ren Yuan's words surprised me. The magistrate told me many times that I should teach less people. If the servants in the government office can read, they will have wild thoughts." If it’s gone, it won’t be so easy to control.”

This statement is very consistent with Meng Song’s character.

"Hahahahaha!"

Su Jing laughed out loud.

Zhao Rongzhen asked: "Why is Uncle Renyuan laughing?"

Su Jing immediately said: "I laughed because Mr. Meng was not upright, so he said this. If the servants in the government office are literate, it will be much easier no matter what they deal with, and the efficiency of the work will also be greatly improved. Why do you say it is not good? It's just an excuse that I came up with because I was not upright and I was afraid that the young man would know too much after he became literate."

"And Mr. Zhao is a capable official. He leads by example, and everyone in the government is impressed."

Su Jing not only explained the reason, but also promoted Zhao Rongzhen and belittled Meng Song.

However, when Zhao Rongzhen heard these words, his expression did not change much.

"Uncle Ren Yuan's knowledge is extraordinary. This official has learned a lot today."

At this time, the kettle on the stove was already boiling. Zhao Rongzhen walked over, took the kettle back, and poured a cup of hot water for Su Jing.

"I don't often have people coming to my house, and I don't like drinking tea. I didn't prepare any tea, so please forgive me, Uncle Renyuan."

Zhao Rongzhen said slightly apologetically.

"It's okay, I don't like tea either, just water."

Su Jing smiled and continued: "Master Zhao hasn't answered my question just now. What kind of literacy do you teach?"

Zhao Rongzhen paused and replied: "Lord officials usually use letters as a model essay."

"Well, that's good. I know all the common words used in letters. At least I can write letters."

Su Jing nodded, agreeing with Zhao Rongzhen's selection.

Zhao Rongzhen was a little confused at the moment, because Su Jing didn't seem to be doing anything when he was here.

At first, Zhao Rongzhen thought that Su Jing came here tonight because of something important, such as matters about Wenzhou Prefecture.

But I didn't expect that Su Jing has been talking here now, as if he was just casually visiting.

"Master Zhao, you are leaving tomorrow. It's a pity that you can't stay in Wenzhou Mansion for a few more days. Otherwise, you and I should be able to become friends."

Su Jing stood up and looked like she was leaving.

Zhao Rongzhen immediately said: "What virtues and talents are there for a lower official? Uncle Ren Yuan is a man in heaven, and the only thing I can do for a lower official is to worship him."

"What a pity! What a pity!"

Su Jing looked at Zhao Rongzhen and suddenly said: "I happened to be visiting Yongjia Rice Shop. It was you who arranged for Xiaoliu to lead the way."

The appearance of Mi Xing in front of him was a very ordinary thing.

At first, Su Jing didn't think much about it. After all, he had the idea of ​​​​Chami Xing.

But later, when he looked at the county map of Wenzhou Prefecture, especially Yongjia County, he discovered something was wrong.

Xiaoliu took him out several times and acted as his guide. This route was not random.

The reason why Yongjia Mihang appeared in front of him, and the fact that the owner of Mihang was Meng Song's brother-in-law, were actually all known to Xiaoliu.

And Xiaoliu is from the Zhao Rongzhen sect.

Therefore, it can be said that everything he encounters on the street is controlled by Zhao Rongzhen.

From Mi Xing to Meng Song, the transition was extremely smooth.

Once things go too smoothly, Su Jing will naturally think about the problems.

Because nine times out of ten it will be unsatisfactory.

If something is done too smoothly, it is often not that simple.

When she thought about it, Su Jing naturally thought of Zhao Rongzhen, and Zhao Rongzhen's purpose seemed to be revealed.

Sure enough, as soon as Su Jing said this, Zhao Rongzhen's expression changed instantly.

After being silent for a long time, he said: "It seems that Uncle Ren Yuan knows everything. He really can't hide it from you, but I didn't expect you to know it so quickly."

Su Jing smiled and said: "I thought Mr. Zhao should be a tight-lipped person. He had been keeping it very well just now. Why did he suddenly change his words now?"

After all, Su Jing's initial offensive was completely fooled by Zhao Rongzhen without knowing it. Zhao Rongzhen turned around and said, "Uncle Ren Yuan has already said this, how can I continue to hide it?"

"I, Zhao Rongzhen, am not someone who will not give up until the Yellow River is reached. The matter has come to this, and there is nothing more to say. The inspections in Wenzhou Prefecture these days are indeed arranged by me."

He is decisive when he denies it, and he is straightforward when he admits it.

Su Jing really felt powerful about this Zhao Rongzhen.

"Master Zhao, in this case, let me tell you the purpose of your arrangement. If I am wrong, please correct me."

Su Jing said calmly: "Lead my thoughts to Yongjia Rice Shop, and then naturally find out about Magistrate Meng's brother-in-law. Not long ago, Magistrate Meng just bribed me. I'm afraid Master Zhao also knows about this."

"With these two relationships, it is naturally impossible for me not to suspect Yongjia Mihang. It is obvious to send someone to investigate."

"As for the results of the investigation, Mr. Zhao must have expected it. The purpose is to bring down Meng Song. Am I right?"

After Su Jing finished speaking, the water in the cup just turned cold, and she became stuffy after taking a sip.

Zhao Rongzhen looked at Su Jing and said sincerely: "What Uncle Ren Yuan said is absolutely correct. Zhao Rongzhen admires it!"

Su Jing immediately shook her head and said: "No, Mr. Zhao, it's nothing for me to see through it, because you did it very deliberately. You should have expected that I would see through it."

"Sure enough, nothing can be hidden from Uncle Ren Yuan. It is true. After all, time is short and this is all we can do."

Zhao Rongzhen sighed, seemingly still not satisfied with what he had done.

Su Jing looked at Zhao Rongzhen and said: "Master Zhao, there is no need to belittle yourself so much. In such a short time, there are many emergencies, and it is already very impressive to be able to arrange it like this."

"We arrived suddenly, Mr. Meng came to me suddenly, and the bribery was even more sudden. Everything developed unexpectedly, and it is really quite good to embarrass Mr. Zhao like this."

Su Jing did not compliment Zhao Rongzhen. Overall, this matter was done very beautifully.

Meng Song really belongs to the relatively stupid category.

"Since Uncle Ren Yuan has seen through it, I must have something to tell Zhao when I come today."

Zhao Rongzhen stared at Su Jing and asked slowly.

At this time, the atmosphere had become quite tense, and it was no longer as relaxed as before.

Su Jing smiled and said: "Don't worry, I still want to know the reason why Mr. Zhao did this. With Mr. Zhao's methods, there must be many ways to bring down Magistrate Meng. Why do you have to go in such a big circle?"

Zhao Rongzhen's calculations, with Meng Song's stupid mind, can only be played by him.

Su Jing was a little confused as to why Zhao Rongzhen was going to such trouble.

"Is this reason important?"

Zhao Rongzhen did not answer immediately, but asked instead.

"Very important!"

At this moment, Zhu Biao's voice sounded outside the gate, and he walked directly into the courtyard.

The night before leaving, Su Jing came to Zhao Rongzhen for a night talk. Naturally, it was impossible to leave Zhu Biao behind.

"I pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhao Rongzhen immediately knelt down and saluted Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao said calmly: "Get up, Zhao Rongzhen, you answer my prince's questions first."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhao Rongzhen said immediately, his attitude was quite respectful.

"Xiaoguan just wants to use the help of His Highness the Crown Prince to get rid of Meng Song. In this way, Xiaguan will not be involved and can continue to serve as an official in Wenzhou Mansion."

Zhao Rongzhen's answer is really surprising.

Su Jing and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and Zhu Biao said, "Zhao Rongzhen, are you also involved in Meng Song's corruption?"

Wanting to stay out of the matter and not get involved, all Zhu Biao could think of was that Zhao Rongzhen was also involved.

Zhao Rongzhen lowered his head: "Yes, the official was indeed involved, so he did not dare to expose Meng Song directly. He could only use such tortuous means to use the Crown Prince to find out Meng Song's problem, so that Meng Song could be brought to justice. At the same time, the official On the condition that Meng Song's family be preserved, Meng Song can be exchanged for not confessing his subordinates."

Once this explanation came out, all the questions were self-consistent.

Zhao Rongzhen's complex operation has really made it clear why.

But Zhao Rongzhen has not said yet just the reason for doing this and what the root of it is.

"Master Zhao, I don't think you are a person who enjoys extravagance. You treat your subordinates with all your heart, and you are benevolent and meritorious in governing the people. There is only one person in your family. Your parents are dead and you have no wife or children. People like you are not You will tell me you like corruption."

Su Jing said in a calm tone.

Based on the understanding of these conditions, Su Jing did not believe that Zhao Rongzhen was a corrupt official.

But he happened to be involved in Meng Song's corruption.

This is really weird.

Zhao Rongzhen still lowered his head and said nothing to Su Jing's question.

"Zhao Rongzhen, why don't you answer?"

Zhu Biao said sharply.

Only then did Zhao Rongzhen speak: "The official thought that the matter was done and that there was no point in defending, so he refused to answer."

"Zhao Rongzhen, you really do things alone and don't say anything. You just want to excuse your subordinates."

Su Jing said suddenly.

As soon as these words came out, Zhao Rongzhen immediately raised his head: "Uncle Renyuan, everything was done by me, Zhao Rongzhen. They were just used by me. I think Uncle Renyuan also knows what kind of character Xiaoliu is."

At this time, Su Jing was also very surprised that Zhao Rongzhen was still protecting his subordinates.

"Then you tell me about the ugly Yinmao. If you think it's meaningless, then you don't want to think about why His Royal Highness is here today. There is no one else in the courtyard except the three of us."

Su Jing gave Zhao Rongzhen a slight nudge.

It is definitely possible to deal with Zhao Rongzhen directly, but the prince is so late and has not brought anyone here, so the matter will not be made public. If it is not made public, there will be room for change.

Su Jing believed that Zhao Rongzhen could still react with his brain.

Sure enough, when Su Jing said this, Zhao Rongzhen immediately looked at Zhu Biao and said with some disbelief: "Your Highness, do you really want to spare Zhao Rongzhen's life?"

According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Rongzhen knew very well that if he was involved in a corruption case, he would definitely be beheaded.

But I didn't expect that there would be such a change.

For such a serious crime, Prince Zhu Biao was able to show mercy and give himself a chance to survive.

Zhao Rongzhen really didn't know what to say.

Zhu Biao said coldly: "Zhao Rongzhen, I am not an unreasonable person. The people of Wenzhou Prefecture live and work in peace and contentment, and live a prosperous and peaceful life. This is what I see in my eyes."

"Rather than saying that this prince spared your life, it is better to say that the people of Wenzhou Prefecture saved your life." (End of Chapter)