Chapter 80

"Those Shanxi merchants are quick, I didn’t expect this book to already be published in the capital. I wonder how it’s been received."

Zhao Junchen thought to himself.

Seeing Zhao Junchen’s surprised expression after looking at the book in his hand, the young man, who was looking for a topic to talk about, couldn’t help but feel delighted. He raised the book, *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*, and asked, "Brother, are you interested in this book?"

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, saying, "I went to Luan Prefecture on business a few days ago and happened to encounter the locust disaster there. So when I saw the book in your hand, I couldn’t help but feel a bit curious."

As the two were talking, Xu Qingyan and the girl also sat down on either side of them.

The young man then explained, "This book tells the story of the current Minister of Revenue, Lord Zhao Junchen, who, during his inspection of the locust disaster in Luan Prefecture, worked together with the officials and people of Luan Prefecture to eliminate the locusts. The people of Luan Prefecture were ignorant and believed the locust disaster was divine punishment. Although the locusts were rampant, they didn’t dare to kill them. In the end, it was Lord Zhao Junchen’s wisdom that convinced the people. He announced that if there was any divine retribution, he would bear it alone. The people were finally persuaded and, under Lord Zhao’s command, they eliminated the locusts, stopping the disaster and saving hundreds of thousands of people. The people of several prefectures in southern Shanxi, to express their gratitude to Lord Zhao, jointly published this *Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*, which is now widely distributed throughout the country."

As he spoke, the young man carefully observed Zhao Junchen’s expression. Seeing that Zhao Junchen didn’t show any displeasure, a glint of joy flashed in his eyes.

After a pause, the young man seemed to remember something and bowed to Zhao Junchen, saying, "I apologize, Brother. We’ve been talking for so long, but I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Liu, and my name is Zimin. May I ask for your name and where you are from?"

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "My surname is Xu, and my name is Qingyan. I work in the government."

Hearing Zhao Junchen say this, Xu Qingyan, who was standing beside him, couldn’t help but look puzzled.

The young man, Liu Zimin, glanced at Zhao Junchen’s brocade clothing and asked, "Oh? Brother Xu works in the government? You have an extraordinary demeanor, so your position must be quite high, right?"

Zhao Junchen avoided the question and instead asked Liu Zimin, "May I ask the young lady’s name?"

Hearing Zhao Junchen suddenly ask her, the girl blushed and glanced at him. Seeing that Zhao Junchen was looking at her, she quickly lowered her head and softly said, "Liu Rui."

Zhao Junchen nodded and smiled, "So you are Miss Liu Rui."

As they spoke, Zhao Junchen confirmed his suspicions. Although Liu Zimin and Liu Rui seemed to be a young master and a maid, they had similar facial features and shared the same surname, Liu, indicating a blood relationship.

This was not uncommon. Many families, despite their modest means, couldn’t afford servants but wanted to appear wealthy, so they had their family members pretend to be servants.

However, seeing how Liu Zimin had loudly scolded Liu Rui earlier and how Liu Rui feared him, it didn’t seem like an act. There must be some hidden story between them.

However, after confirming his suspicions, Zhao Junchen didn’t want to delve deeper. He simply asked Liu Zimin, "Brother Liu, you don’t seem to be from the capital, do you?"

Seeing that Zhao Junchen avoided his question, Liu Zimin didn’t get angry. Instead, his expression became even more respectful. He didn’t mind that Zhao Junchen spoke to Liu Rui, and his expression remained unchanged.

When Zhao Junchen asked, Liu Zimin quickly replied, "Brother Xu has a keen eye. I am from Yantai, Shandong. How did you know I’m not from the capital?"

Zhao Junchen pointed to the large package Liu Rui was holding and said, "Brother Liu’s Mandarin isn’t very pure and has a regional accent."

Liu Zimin nodded in understanding, "Brother Xu is wise, that’s true."

As they spoke, Liu Laozhang brought them tofu pudding and fried dough sticks. Zhao Junchen ate while asking, "I see that Brother Liu is a scholar. May I ask why you are in the capital at this time?"

Hearing this, Liu Zimin’s face lit up, and he quickly replied, "To be honest with Brother Xu, I participated in the autumn examination in Shandong this August. Unfortunately, some officials cheated, and I failed. Out of desperation, I came to the capital with some friends to appeal. Fortunately, the current emperor is wise and investigated the case, restoring justice. The bribed students were stripped of their titles, and I, through a supplementary examination, obtained the title of juren. However, it’s now the beginning of winter, and the spring examination is in March next year, leaving only four months. If I were to travel back and forth, it would be troublesome and waste preparation time, so I decided to stay in the capital."

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "I see."

After this, Zhao Junchen didn’t say much more and focused on eating his tofu pudding and fried dough sticks, looking quite content.

However, although Zhao Junchen didn’t want to talk, Liu Zimin, for some reason, wanted to continue the conversation.

After a moment, seeing that Zhao Junchen had eaten about half of his tofu pudding, Liu Zimin couldn’t hold back and said, "I see that Brother Xu is very interested in *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*. Since we seem to have a connection, if Brother Xu doesn’t mind, I’ll give you this book. It will save you the trouble of looking for it. What do you think?"

Looking at the book Liu Zimin offered, Zhao Junchen didn’t take it but asked, "I’ve already read this book, so there’s no need for Brother Liu to give it to me. However, I’m curious. Although Lord Zhao Junchen is now the Minister of Revenue and favored by the emperor, his reputation among the people is not good. Yet this book seems to praise him. What do you think about this, Brother Liu? How have the scholars in the countryside reacted to this book?"

Hearing this, Liu Zimin’s expression showed a hint of nervousness.

Previously, when Liu Zimin saw Zhao Junchen wearing official boots and brocade clothing, he knew Zhao Junchen was of high status and tried to get closer. When he introduced *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*, he carefully observed Zhao Junchen’s reaction. Seeing that Zhao Junchen remained calm, he was delighted.

Because if the clean officials heard the content of *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*, they would inevitably criticize it loudly. If Zhao Junchen were from an opposing faction, he would show disdain and ridicule. But Zhao Junchen’s calm expression suggested only one thing to Liu Zimin.

That is, this "Xu Qingyan" might have some connection with Zhao Junchen, or at least is a friend, not an enemy.

Of course, Liu Zimin couldn’t imagine that the person in front of him was Zhao Junchen himself. In Liu Zimin’s view, Zhao Junchen was of such high status that he wouldn’t eat at a small stall.

With the spring examination approaching, Liu Zimin, as a juren, should have been studying, but instead, he was reading *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture*, which praised Zhao Junchen. His intentions were clear: he wanted to prepare in case he had the opportunity to meet Zhao Junchen and curry favor.

However, as a common juren, it was not easy for Liu Zimin to meet Zhao Junchen.

But now, Liu Zimin felt he had a chance!

If he answered well and pleased this "Xu Qingyan," it might even reach Zhao Junchen’s ears, which would greatly benefit Liu Zimin.

Seeing Liu Zimin’s nervous and serious expression, Zhao Junchen was taken aback.

However, after his experience in the bureaucracy, Zhao Junchen was very astute and quickly understood Liu Zimin’s thoughts.

Although he didn’t know why Liu Zimin, a mere juren, wanted to curry favor with him, and he didn’t like Liu Zimin’s character, he couldn’t help but admire Liu Zimin’s cleverness.

After a moment of thought, Liu Zimin replied, "In my view, *The Record of Locust Extermination in Luan Prefecture* is a remarkable book. It uses Lord Zhao’s actions in Luan Prefecture to illustrate the principles of 'three men make a tiger' and 'seeing is believing.' Although Lord Zhao’s reputation among the people is not good, most of it is hearsay and slander. Take the locust disaster in Luan Prefecture, for example. How many so-called clean officials, who are praised throughout the land, could have done what Lord Zhao did? This shows that rumors are unreliable. Without evidence, repeating what others say is even worse."

"Clack!"

As Liu Zimin finished speaking, Liu Rui, who had been quietly eating tofu pudding, turned pale, and her chopsticks fell to the table.

Seeing this, Liu Zimin seemed to realize something and looked embarrassed, not scolding Liu Rui for her behavior.

Liu Rui, looking flustered, cautiously looked up at Zhao Junchen and Liu Zimin. Seeing that Zhao Junchen was looking at her, she quickly lowered her head, picked up her chopsticks, wiped them carefully, and continued eating, but her mind was elsewhere.

Seeing this, Zhao Junchen’s eyes showed a thoughtful expression, and he suddenly smiled, "Brother Liu, you seem to be deliberately getting close to me today. Is there something you need?"

Liu Zimin was taken aback and looked even more embarrassed. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Brother Xu has an extraordinary demeanor and wears fine clothing. I assume you hold a high position in the government?"

Zhao Junchen smiled lightly and avoided the question.

Liu Zimin continued, "Do you know the current Minister of Revenue, Lord Zhao? If you do, could you introduce me to him? If Brother Xu can help me, I will be extremely grateful and will repay you generously. In the future, if Brother Xu needs anything, I will not refuse."

Hearing this, Xu Qingyan looked puzzled, and Liu Rui remained silent, lowering her head and hiding her thoughts.

Zhao Junchen narrowed his eyes, curious why Liu Zimin, a mere juren, wanted to meet him, and asked, "I have met Lord Zhao a few times, but he is a second-rank official with many responsibilities. If you don’t tell me why you want to meet Lord Zhao, I can’t speak to him on your behalf."

Hearing this, Liu Zimin was delighted but even more hesitant. After a long pause, he explained, "My father was the former Left Censor-in-Chief, Liu Wenci."

Zhao Junchen finally understood.

Years ago, Liu Wenci was a famous leader of the clean officials. However, thirteen years ago, he publicly accused the chief cabinet minister, Zhou Shangjing, of forming cliques and corruption. Unfortunately, Liu Wenci, being just a clean official, couldn’t match Zhou Shangjing. The investigation found no evidence, and the matter was dropped.

At that time, Zhou Shangjing had just become the chief cabinet minister and was eager to establish his authority. Liu Wenci’s accusation was ill-timed, and he suffered the consequences. Not only was he accused of slandering a high official, but his enemies also accused him of illegally trading imperial items.

It turned out that Liu Wenci loved collecting ancient paintings, and some of his paintings were actually imperial treasures!

In the end, Liu Wenci was disgraced, demoted, and his property confiscated.

No wonder Liu Rui had reacted so strongly when Liu Zimin said, "If there is no evidence, repeating what others say is even worse."

Years ago, Liu Wenci’s lack of evidence led to his downfall, failing to bring down Zhou Shangjing and instead getting himself into trouble.

Zhao Junchen hadn’t expected that Liu Wenci’s descendants would appear before him.

Seeing Zhao Junchen’s understanding expression, Liu Zimin continued, "Alas, I am burdened by my family’s past. My father offended the current chief cabinet minister, and although I have the title of juren and can participate in the spring examination next year, if the chief cabinet minister learns of my background and remembers my father’s mistakes, no matter how well I perform, it will be useless. I want to apologize to the chief cabinet minister, but how can I meet him? So I thought of Lord Zhao, who is now highly favored by the emperor. If he can help me, even the chief cabinet minister will give him some face. Unfortunately, Lord Zhao is of high status, and I can’t just meet him. I’ve been worrying about this, but fate has brought me to Brother Xu!"

Liu Zimin spoke earnestly, while Zhao Junchen listened casually. However, no one noticed that when Liu Wenci mentioned "burdened by my family’s past," "my father’s lack of judgment," and "my father’s mistakes," Liu Rui turned pale and her small body trembled.

After a pause, just as Liu Zimin was about to say more, Liu Rui suddenly stood up and said softly, "I’m going back."

Without waiting for Liu Zimin’s response, Liu Rui lowered her head, holding the package, and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Liu Zimin felt he had lost face in front of Zhao Junchen and shouted, "Stop! You’re leaving like this, breaking the rules. Do you have no family discipline? If Brother Xu thinks poorly of our family’s discipline, you…"

Hearing Liu Zimin’s shout, Liu Rui stopped, turned around, and looked at Liu Zimin. Her eyes were red, and her gentle and weak demeanor was now tinged with a newfound strength.

Under Liu Rui’s gaze, Liu Zimin, who usually acted arrogantly and shouted at her, couldn’t meet her eyes and looked away nervously.

"Is this how you speak of Father? Is this our family’s discipline? Do you think that by speaking of Father this way, our family will be respected?" Liu Rui bit her lip, her voice low but firm: "Unfortunately, Father passed away early, and your mother spoiled you too much…"

As she spoke, the strength in her eyes was replaced by sorrow. She glanced apologetically at Zhao Junchen and quickly left, her small, frail figure disappearing into the crowd.

This was the first time Zhao Junchen had heard Liu Rui speak. Her voice was clear and slightly trembling, very pleasant to hear.

"This girl was almost in tears, but she left before finishing her words, perhaps not wanting to be seen crying. I thought she was just a gentle and weak woman, but she has a strong and resilient side."

Thinking this, Zhao Junchen looked at Liu Zimin, who was staring at Liu Rui’s departure, looking dazed, clearly surprised by her outburst.

"Brother Liu." Zhao Junchen’s call brought Liu Zimin back to his senses.

Liu Zimin looked up and saw Zhao Junchen smiling at him, asking, "I don’t think Miss Liu Rui is your maid, is she?"

Liu Zimin hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Brother Xu is wise. She is my stepmother’s daughter. Before I came to the capital, my mother was worried about me and had her come along. Alas, my father passed away early, and my stepmother followed soon after. No one taught her proper manners, and I apologize for her behavior."

Zhao Junchen nodded. Although Liu Zimin’s explanation was brief, considering his treatment of Liu Rui, Zhao Junchen could imagine the life Liu Rui, who had lost both parents, had led in the Liu family, facing a stepmother who doted on her own son and a brother with questionable character.

"This girl’s character must have been shaped by her experiences."

Zhao Junchen thought to himself.

Liu Zimin, fearing Zhao Junchen’s judgment, quickly changed the subject, "Brother Xu, regarding the matter I asked for your help with, I hope you will consider it. Although our family has fallen, my father loved collecting ancient paintings, and two of them remain. One is *Spring Morning in the Han Palace* by Qiu Ying of the Ming dynasty, and the other is *The Descent of the Bodhisattva Manjushri* by Lu Tanwei of the Southern Dynasties. I plan to offer *Spring Morning in the Han Palace* to Lord Zhao, but if Brother Xu can arrange a meeting with Lord Zhao, I will give you *The Descent of the Bodhisattva Manjushri*."

"Hmm?" Hearing this, Zhao Junchen was intrigued.

*Spring Morning in the Han Palace* was a work by Qiu Ying of the Ming dynasty, not an ancient artifact, but Qiu Ying was the best painter since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, and *Spring Morning in the Han Palace* was his masterpiece, more valuable than *The Descent of the Bodhisattva Manjushri* by Lu Tanwei.

However, Zhao Junchen valued *The Descent of the Bodhisattva Manjushri* by Lu Tanwei more, as Lu Tanwei was known for his Buddhist paintings, and Emperor Deqing was a Buddhist.

Although tempted, Zhao Junchen