On the journey, they chatted about all sorts of things. With the company of Master Xiao Xiao Sheng, Zhu Mo felt that each day was fulfilling, with endless topics to discuss.
The two discussed many of the book's settings, and Zhu Mo also revealed some of the later generations' evaluations of the book to Xiao Xiao Sheng, which made the book even richer.
Xiao Xiao Sheng sighed, "Young Master Zhu, I never imagined your literary talent to be so profound. With your revisions, this book can truly be passed down through the ages…"
"Indeed, your book is a miraculous work of the Great Ming, likely to be circulated for centuries… Hahaha, rest assured, just write. I will seek you out when needed, and when you have nothing else to do, just write. Aim to finish it within a year or two!"
"Alright, thank you, Young Master Zhu!"
…
Soon,
The large ship, following the canal, arrived at Hangzhou. Entering through Yongjin Gate, upon reaching the ferry, the officials of Jiangnan province were all lined up waiting.
At this time, the Governor-General of Jiangnan was Hu Zongxian, the Provincial Governor was Zheng Bichang, and the Judicial Commissioner was He Maocai.
Upon seeing them, Zhu Mo marveled that the casting in film and television dramas was indeed accurate, as these individuals bore striking resemblances to their portrayals.
At this moment,
Zhu Mo, as an imperial envoy in commoner's attire, held a very unique status. The Jiangnan officials had no idea how to receive him, so they resorted to treating him with the etiquette of an imperial envoy.
Therefore, Governor-General Hu Zongxian took the lead in welcoming him, speaking with great courtesy and humility.
Zhu Mo naturally noticed a military officer, distinguished and imposing, with a touch of scholarly refinement, who was clearly Qi Jiguang.
Just as he was about to greet him, the Provincial Governor Zheng Bichang stepped forward and said:
"Your subordinate officials have also heard of Lord Zhu's 'qingci' in Jiangnan, and we were astounded! Everyone among our colleagues is busy copying it… Young Master Zhu is truly a great talent, and all the officials in Jiangnan, numbering in the hundreds, are full of admiration… However, the imperial edict and the court memorials from the Grand Secretariat did not clearly state the purpose of Young Master Zhu's visit to Jiangnan! The officials of Jiangnan are all very concerned, and we wonder if Young Master Zhu could reveal a little more? *Hee hee*…"
Heh heh,
This official is indeed a schemer.
Zhu Mo knew full well this man's intentions: he was from the Yan family and wanted to confirm the details before colluding to oppose him, rendering his trip futile.
"Oh, Lord Zheng need not worry, this envoy will have his explanation in due time!"
Having said that,
Zhu Mo put on a stern expression, no longer looking at him, and strode forward. How many internet novels had he read? He certainly knew—
"Playing coy" was the most powerful move. Revealing not a single word, coupled with a serious demeanor, would force the other party to guess.
Zheng Bichang was startled and vaguely sensed that this time it might not be easy to pass. He glanced back to see that dozens of Jiangnan officials also wore looks of concern.
Along the way,
Zhu Mo did not see a single commoner. From the ferry, he took a sedan chair to the Provincial Governor's yamen. The roads had been cleared, and the common people could only watch from a great distance.
Zhu Mo was furious: This was utter chaos! It was a clear message telling him: the officials of Jiangnan were already a united front.
…
Upon arriving at the Provincial Governor's yamen,
Zheng Bichang had already prepared a banquet with a lavish spread, featuring over forty dishes. More than thirty officials repeatedly and solicitously urged him to drink, uttering the most saccharine words imaginable.
Zhu Mo observed that only Hu Zongxian and Qi Jiguang sat upright, conversing quietly, appearing indifferent to such a grand spectacle.
Hu Zongxian was of the Yan family. Although a good person, dedicated to the nation and the people, he was ultimately controlled by Yan Shifan and thus did not speak much with Zhu Mo. Qi Jiguang was similar, a general personally selected by Yan Song. Despite his dedication to the country, he was also constrained by the Yan faction. The rest of the Jiangnan officials present were almost all cronies of the Yan family.
Zhu Mo had also roughly understood the background of these Jiangnan officials from the system. He had been contemplating this all along and now had a plan. Wasn't it often said in internet novels—to make them perish, one must first make them go mad!
So,
Zhu Mo feigned drunkenness. Whenever someone offered him a drink, he would speak politely, with a smile, offering encouragement to everyone.
Towards the end, Zhu Mo reciprocated everyone's toasts and declared loudly:
"This envoy's visit to Jiangnan this time has no other purpose! Everyone, please consider: I, a mere commoner, for what stroke of luck was I granted this supervisory post by the court? I myself am bewildered. What else could it be?… As for the reason for coming to Jiangnan, this envoy will explain clearly in the main hall tomorrow! Everyone can rest assured!"
Good!
*Clap clap clap!*
All the officials applauded and cheered.
"Young Master Zhu is so amiable!"
"Young Master Zhu is truly a divine being!"
"Young Master Zhu is here for the good of our Jiangnan!"
"Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou. Lord Zhu, please visit more often when you have the time!"
"Indeed! Young Master Zhu must see more!"
"…"
Zhu Mo also smiled and said, "Certainly! Certainly!"
"Everyone, please do not be late for the assembly in the main hall tomorrow!"
At the same time,
Qi Jiguang, who was sitting nearby and conversing softly, said to Hu Zongxian, "Your Excellency, why does this Young Master Zhu also enjoy such ostentation? 'Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou'—he is indeed a man of literary flair…"
Hu Zongxian chuckled, "Yuan Jing, do not be anxious, let's observe first…"
Qi Jiguang whispered again and asked:
"Your Excellency, why is there no news about Young Master Zhu's visit to Jiangnan? I am worried… about that so-called Anti-Japanese Public Debt and the Management of Money Houses he intends to implement… How exactly will it be done? He is so young, merely a youth… And the situation of resisting Japanese pirates in Jiangnan has just made progress. If any complications arise, won't it all be in vain?"
The two were close friends. Although they were part of the Yan faction, they were loyal subjects, acutely aware of the crisis in Jiangnan. However, due to constant constraints, they were unable to implement their strategies.
At this moment, seeing Zhu Mo mingling with the Jiangnan officials, Qi Jiguang seemed to think he was also a corrupt official, perhaps sent by the Yan family, which would be terrible.
Unexpectedly, Hu Zongxian chuckled and said, "Yuan Jing, do not be anxious yet… I think this Young Master Zhu is very capable. Let's watch the show first… Yes, tonight, have your troops assemble and prepare for defense, so that if anything major happens in Jiangnan, we will be ready…"
Qi Jiguang seemed to grasp something and whispered, "Your Excellency suggests that Young Master Zhu is brewing some big move? But he is just an imperial envoy in commoner's attire… he has no official rank, how can he command people?"
Hu Zongxian, known as the "Pillar of the Southeast," naturally had foresight. He lowered his voice mysteriously and said,
"A few days ago, someone from the capital found Tan Lun. Tan Lun told me recently: This Young Master Zhu's visit to Jiangnan this time should be a comprehensive plan, and it is no small matter… Also, Yuan Jing, you are busy with battles all day and are unaware, this commoner envoy, with no rank and no title, is the most troublesome. On the surface, he seems to have no power and can do nothing, but in reality, he can do anything…"
"Oh…"
Qi Jiguang suddenly understood, but still felt some apprehension: Zhu Mo was, after all, a flamboyant youth. Arriving in the land of Suzhou and Hangzhou, wouldn't he spend all his days indulging in romance and pleasure, and be pulled into their schemes within a few days?