Flourishing of the Ming Dynasty Novel - Chapter 186

Chapter 186 Leaving The Capital?

New Year’s Day was a joyous and lively occasion for most people. After a year of hard work, they could finally find some time to enjoy the fruits and rest; There were also the wanderers who had left their relatives for a year and returned from afar to gather with their parents and brothers. Even the normally tight families would squeeze out some money to cook something delicious and put on a new set of clothes, hoping for a good harvest and a good omen in the coming year.

Of course, there are also people who are busier than usual at this time, because New Year’s Day is also a good time for people to communicate with each other, such as businessmen, or officials in Beijing.

The Great Ming Dynasty had always forbidden officials from forming parties for personal gain, but officials could always think of ways to collude with each other, and in order to communicate with each other, they did everything they could. They naturally wouldn’t let go of the New Year when they were supposed to pay their respects to each other. Therefore, regardless of whether there was any interest, the officials would find all sorts of reasons to visit. Even if they could not see anyone, it was still good to send a invitation.

As a result, during the first two days of the first month, some servants and servants with baggage on their backs could always be seen hurrying between the mansions of the important officials and tossing in postings with congratulatory words. This was one of the grand scenes of the New Year in the capital–the invitation to the gates.

While all the officials in the city were busy making friends with people, Lu Zhen, who was a member of the capital, quietly stayed in the backyard of his county government and didn’t go anywhere. After all, he had only been in the capital for a few months, so he couldn’t find anyone familiar with him to pay his respects to-although he should have some fellow disciples and master teachers, how could he possibly know what kind of good classmates Lu Zhen had?

In the end, Hu Ying was the only person Lu Zhen could visit. However, because he was an old official in the four dynasties of the Ministry of Officials and had countless students, it was not his turn for the time being, so he could only not go first.

A few more days passed after this delay. Only after the tenth day of the first month did Lu Zhen find an opportunity to meet Hu Ying. However, the money he had with him was limited, so he only brought ordinary pastries with him. In the eyes of the servants of the Hu Clan, he felt that this person was too stingy.

However, the result was beyond the expectations of the servants who wanted to see him close the door. Not long after his invitation and gifts were sent in, the old butler, who had not seen many guests lately, personally came out and welcomed this young guest in, immediately suppressing everyone.

He saw Hu Ying again in the study room. After Lu Zhen entered the door, he bowed politely and said some auspicious words about the New Year before sitting down and chatting with the smiling Hu Ying.

Hu touched his white beard and smiled, “I thought you would come here earlier, but it has dragged on until today …”

“Sir, don’t blame me. It’s really because I know that Sir has many subordinates and that I, as a county magistrate, can’t compete with them. That’s why I came to pay my respects to the Japanese side so late today.” Lu Zhen hurriedly explained.

“Haha, you don’t have to explain. I don’t blame you. On the contrary, I’m quite satisfied that you’re late.”

“Sir’s words confuse me.”

Hu Ying smiled and took a sip of his tea before saying, “One of the things is that you really have a good temper. This is what officials must have. It is not easy for you to have it at such a young age.” Secondly, it also means that you don’t want anything from this old man. When February arrived, it was Jingcha. Many officials in the capital were quite fearful of this, and they knew that this was the overall situation presided over by the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, so they came to plead for mercy under various pretexts. Why do they have to plead for mercy? Don’t you need this old man to say so? ”

Lu Zhen nodded to show his understanding. Only those who felt guilty and knew that they might not be able to get past Jingcha would think of doing these things. Those who were upright and capable obviously disdained to do such things.

“So this old man can determine how serious the problems of some people are now. The heavier the gift list, the bigger the problem will be.” As he said that, the old man looked at Lu Zhen with a faint smile, “But you actually only brought in some pastries. It’s really rare.”

Lu Zhen blushed, “I’m ashamed. It’s just that it’s not easy to live in the capital. Besides, I know that Teacher won’t accept any heavy gifts from me, so it’s just a token of gratitude.”

“Haha, you little slippery head.” After laughing, Hu Caizheng Rong said, “However, this old man did not say anything nonsense. You will definitely get a high-grade evaluation in Jingcha.”

“Thank you for taking care of me, sir.” Lu Zhen hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks.

Hu Ying waved his hand and said, “This is not my ability to take care of you, but yours.” If you are truly useless, I, as the Minister of the Ministry of Officials of the Imperial Court, will not be biased. However, you did a good job in the position of county magistrate of Daxing County. Not only did you make the security of the capital quiet, you also solved a major case, causing dozens of dead to be wronged to the point of snowing. These were all things that the Monarchs, officials, and civilians of the Manchu Dynasty saw in their eyes.

“Furthermore, your usual duties are done very well. I read the relevant documents of the Transfer Department. It says that this year’s tax rate in Daxing County is 30% higher than the previous year, and the grain tax is 40% higher. However, the people do not complain at all. You are the only one in the world who can do such a thing. Therefore, it is not worthy of being called capable.”

“How … How is this possible? I’m only collecting taxes according to the court’s rules. Why is there so much?” Lu Zhen asked in surprise.

‘”That’s because there were many cases of dissatisfaction in the past. Adding on some losses and deductions, the tax revenue the Imperial Court received will be greatly reduced. However, if you do this, it will be difficult for the next officer to become the county magistrate of Daxing County. Perhaps you will be reprimanded or even seized for this.”

Lu Zhen originally listened happily, but in the end, his expression changed, “Sir, what you mean is …”

Hu Ying nodded without concealment, “Yes, the Imperial Court has made up its mind to transfer you out of the capital after arriving in Beijing.”

“Is this … the imperial court’s intention, or Sir’s?”

“It’s both the imperial court’s and this old man’s meaning.” Hu Ying looked deeply at Lu Zhen and said, “Actually, if you follow my heart, I hope that you will stay in the capital all the time, so as to clean up the atmosphere here.” However, this time, you’ve offended too many people and are too powerful. Even if I have the heart to protect you, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to protect you for too long under their schemes and all sorts of hidden arrows. Therefore, it’s better to transfer you out of the capital before they make a move. ”

Only then did Lu Zhen realize that what he had done for the sake of a moment of happiness had actually caused such a great calamity. Actually, he only needed to think about it to understand. This time, he had tricked both the Shuntian Prefecture and the Ministry of Justice. Moreover, the relationship between the officials of the court and the Chinese government was so complicated that offending one person was equivalent to making an enemy. Now, he had probably become the target of public criticism long ago.

In addition, Guang Ning Bo represented the Xun Gui Wu Jiang class. Thinking carefully, he was afraid that Hu had silently blocked countless sabers and arrows for him during this period of time, but he was completely unaware of it.

This understanding shook Lu Zhen’s heart, and he was extremely grateful. He couldn’t help but stand up and cupped his hands, saying, “Sir …”

“There are some things you don’t have to say. When I placed you in the position of county magistrate of Daxing County, I just wanted you to do something. Now that you’ve not only done it, but you’ve done more and better than I thought, it’s only natural that I’ll protect you. So don’t worry, although you can’t stay in the capital anymore, the Imperial Court and I will not treat you unfairly. Go to Jiangnan. It’s your hometown and far away from the messy affairs of the court. You should be able to be much quieter. ”

“Thank you for your protection, Mister.” Lu Zhen did not refuse and cupped his hands to thank her again. He knew that Hu Ying’s decision must have been taken after a number of considerations. With his knowledge of the officials of the Imperial Court, he would definitely be able to see farther than he could.

Seeing that he agreed without the slightest bit of grievance, Hu Ying smiled happily again. “But there’s one thing I have to explain to you first.”

“Sir, please speak.”

“It’s impossible for you to be the chief official of Jiangnan, so you can’t act recklessly like before. Otherwise, even if I want to protect you, I won’t be able to do anything.”

Lu Zhen nodded and said yes. The old man continued, “But you don’t have to worry. This trip to Jiangnan is just to keep you away from disputes. When the situation in the court improves, you will be summoned back. At that time, with your previous contribution, you will be promoted. So all you need to do in Jiangnan is to nurture your reputation and hide your strength.”

Lu Zhen nodded. He knew that the most important thing in official circles was seniority, and he was only in his twenties. It was indeed impossible for him to advance to the next level. Otherwise, he would only attract criticism from the crowd. Now that he had made this arrangement, not only did he protect himself, but he also allowed himself to have a relaxed and comfortable environment to wait for him. This was indeed the best way to deal with it.

Seeing Lu Zhen happily accept his arrangement, and seeing that he understood the reasoning behind it, Hu Ying felt even happier and encouraged him on the spot. Even though it was just a few words, it was something that Hu Butang had comprehended during his decades of official career. As long as he could comprehend the three flavors, it would be enough for Lu Zhen to enjoy it for his entire life.

After saying so many things, Hu Ying finally stopped talking about business and smiled, “It’s still New Year’s Day, so let’s not talk about these troublesome things. You’re here as a guest. You can accompany me for a simple meal before leaving.”

This was another extremely high treatment. For a high official like Hu Ying to be able to keep someone to eat meant that he was extremely valued. If news of this spread, Lu Zhen’s status in the court would be greatly different.

After eating a meal that wasn’t too sumptuous, the two of them didn’t talk about anything serious. They only heard Hu Ying talk about the past years before Lu Zhen took his leave.

It wasn’t until he walked out of the gate of the Hu Mansion that Lu Zhen revealed a happy smile. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad thing to go to Jiangnan, at least he could get closer to her.