Chapter 275: Catering to His Interests
"It's not that I'm brave, I'm just telling the truth." Gongshi bowed.
"But no one here said such words, only you said it." Tang Zhichuan stroked his beard, "Do you know the consequences of saying such words here?"
"I know this, but I also know that if I don't say it, no one else will say it, and no one will say it again in the future. No one will remind the king of his mistakes, and they will just follow the king's preferences. If this continues, won't the entire country be in danger?"
The scholar straightened his chest, spoke more forcefully, and was full of passion, as if he was determined to sacrifice his life for the country.
"What you said makes some sense." Tang Zhichuan stroked his beard again, glanced at the scholar, and then paused, "What's your name?"
Gongshi felt more at ease and raised his chin, "My name is Zhao Chunmao."
Tang Zhichuan said nothing more, but took two steps forward. He happened to see two tribute students kneeling in front of the statue. The two men even took out cakes from their sleeves and respectfully offered them on the altar in front.
Tang Zhichuan narrowed his eyes and walked up to the two of them.
Song Jingyun and Chen Shuming had heard some noisy noises inside before, but they didn't know the reason. When they saw Tang Zhichuan, they were stunned at first, and then they saluted at the same time.
"You two are very thoughtful. You even prepared the tribute so completely." Tang Zhichuan said.
Chen Shuming was stunned again.
Naturally, he had not thought of preparing any tribute, but because Song Jingyun had just given him mung bean cake and red bean cake, he did not like sweet food, and was worried that if he kept the cakes in his sleeves, the sugar and oil would seep out and stain his sleeves, which would be disrespectful in front of the palace. So he considered whether he should follow Song Jingyun and eat them secretly.
Just as they were kneeling to worship the statue, Chen Shuming saw Song Jingyun presenting cakes. He immediately thought that this was a good way to deal with cakes, so he followed suit and presented the cakes in his sleeves.
If I answer the questions truthfully, it would seem like I am putting all the blame on Song Jingyun...
Chen Shuming thought about it for a moment, then gritted his teeth and prepared to make up a lie, saying that he brought it in from outside.
But before Chen Shuming could open his mouth, Song Jingyun bowed again and said, "Your Excellency, I never thought of this. I brought these cakes in just to fill my stomach. It was just that I had to kneel down and worship the statue. I thought that since I had to kneel down, I should be more pious and offer one or two cakes to show my gratitude."
"As for the cakes and pastries that Mr. Chen presented, I just gave them to him. He doesn't like sweets, but he couldn't refuse them, so he had to accept them. Seeing me like this, he just offered cakes and pastries like me."
"I see." Tang Zhichuan nodded slightly. "You are willing to tell the truth. I noticed that you seemed quite pious when you knelt down just now. Is it because you also believe in gods?"
"That's not the case." Song Jingyun answered truthfully.
"Then..." Tang Zhichuan frowned slightly, "Is it to please the current emperor?"
"That's not the case." Song Jingyun replied with a smile, "It's just that I think there are many people in the world who believe in the sayings of gods and destiny. I also think there's nothing wrong with believing in these things. If I happen to encounter this, it's okay to kneel down and worship."
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
