Upon returning to his own residence, Tang Ke was truly overjoyed.
The price of 100,000 guan was merely him asking for an exorbitant amount.
There was indeed some room for negotiation within the original offer, but he hadn't expected Zhe Wanchun to agree to it so readily.
Furthermore, Zhe Wanchun had produced such a set of treasures to offset the 100,000 guan in copper coins.
Although Tang Ke had served as an official for many years, before taking on the position of Transport Commissioner of Hebei Circuit, he had only been an subordinate official in the Crown Prince's mansion.
While his status was indeed honorable, when it came to wealth, that was simply a joke.
Although his life could be described as comfortable compared to ordinary people, it was absolutely impossible for him to have the opportunity to come into contact with such luxury goods.
After shutting himself in his study and admiring the items for over an hour, Tang Ke finally took a deep breath, closed the box, and instructed his servants to prepare a carriage to head straight to the Eastern Palace.
As he passed through the bustling streets, listening to the hawkers' cries from both sides, Tang Ke's heart was filled with excitement.
By presenting this item to the Crown Prince, he would surely win the Crown Prince's favor.
Once he completed this task, he would have certainly showcased his talent and loyalty before the Emperor.
If the opportunity arose, perhaps in another year or two, he himself could obtain a position of authority…
Carrying such dreams, Tang Ke arrived at the Eastern Palace.
Upon hearing of Tang Ke's arrival, the Crown Prince actually came out to greet him personally.
This small detail truly made Tang Ke feel somewhat overwhelmed with flattery, as before this, whenever he visited the Eastern Palace, at most he would only receive the Crown Prince's permission to enter and exit the Crown Prince's study at will.
The Crown Prince personally coming out to greet him, such a level of etiquette, among all the officials in the Crown Prince's faction, only Liang Shicheng had the qualification to enjoy it.
Dazed, he followed the Crown Prince to the study. After the servants served tea, Tang Ke immediately smiled and stated his purpose, placing the set of jewelry before the Crown Prince.
"Minister Tang, isn't this a bit too precious…"
Tang Ke did not recognize the extraordinary nature of the item, but Zhao Huan did.
With just a glance, he had a rough idea of its value, but he did not inquire further about its origin.
Although the item resembled the craftsmanship of the palace, since Zhao Huan's birth, almost every item he used had come from the palace.
Therefore, he was not too surprised that this item originated from the imperial court.
"It was indeed a stroke of luck to obtain this item. I was simply thinking that the Crown Princess's birthday is approaching soon. Presenting this item to the Crown Princess would save Your Highness the trouble of preparing a gift, wouldn't it?"
"Since you say so, then I won't be polite?"
The Crown Princess's birthday was indeed approaching, and Zhao Huan had been troubled by this matter. Hearing Tang Ke’s words, he pondered it and felt that it was indeed reasonable. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to accept it in a push-and-pull manner.
"It is only fitting. If this item were not presented to Your Highness, my own foolish women would not be worthy of such a treasure!"
"Minister Tang is thoughtful!"
After accepting the gift in a push-and-pull manner, Zhao Huan did not pay much attention to it, casually placing it on a nearby shelf.
Then, changing the subject, he began to discuss the current state of affairs with Tang Ke.
He also specifically asked about the difficulties Tang Ke was currently facing. After their conversation, it was already late at night when Tang Ke left the Eastern Palace.
Emerging from the Eastern Palace, Tang Ke felt his heart filled with warmth.
Judging by the Crown Prince's attitude towards him earlier, it was clear that he regarded him as a trusted minister.
Perhaps this title was not very valuable at the moment, but once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, he would at least secure a position as prime minister, wouldn't he?
Upon thinking that he could be called "Prime Minister" in the future, even the cries of the hawkers outside sounded exceptionally pleasant to Tang Ke's ears.
"First thing tomorrow morning, immediately bring people to the seventy-two official shops and notify each one. Have all their shopkeepers come to the Ministry of Revenue to find me. Anyone who dares not to come will have to face the consequences!"
As he stepped out of the carriage, the spirited Tang Ke casually instructed his close attendant.
"Yes!"
The attendant beside him quickly responded.
——————————————————————
"Young Master, that fellow Tang just went to the Eastern Palace with a small package. Do you think he might…"
In the courtyard of the post station, Yuan Xingchi looked at Han Mo excitedly and whispered.
"Do we even need to guess? The Crown Princess's birthday is coming up. If I'm not mistaken, Tang Ke will definitely pocket this item. This item would be perfect to present to the Crown Prince!"
Hearing this, Han Mo could not help but let out a cold laugh.
He had originally intended to make Tang Ke lose face in front of everyone and then let the matter go.
He planned to use an opportunity during the Tianning Festival to strike him down decisively.
However, he did not expect this fellow to make so many foolish mistakes on his own.
This kind of item, and this fellow dared to intercept it for personal use and gift it to someone, and before gifting it, he didn't even bother to investigate its origin.
"If he does this, won't he be dead for sure this time?"
Yuan Xingchi almost burst out laughing. This Lord Tang's vision was truly too shallow.
And his judgment was truly too poor. If the same tactic were used by Wang Fu, Wang Fu would likely recognize the extraordinary nature of this item on the spot.
"Either way, he is seeking his own death. However, after he dies, the position of Minister of Revenue is truly a pity…"
Although Han Mo desired the position of Minister of Revenue, Han Mo himself understood that he did not have suitable candidates at hand.
Whether it was Li Gang or Zong Ze, these individuals were all thorns in the Emperor's side.
The saying "a time of crisis calls for wise officials" can also be applied in reverse.
Although the world was plagued by natural disasters, under the embellishment of Wang Fu and others, at least in the eyes of Emperor Huizong, it was still a period of peace and prosperity.
Since it was a peaceful and prosperous era, the Emperor naturally should enjoy life.
Having nothing to do, why would he keep so many capable and upright officials by his side, waiting for them to find fault with him and scold him to his face?
Although the wise rulers of ancient times all acted this way, Zhao Ji did not have this hobby…