Taking a break is out of the question. Since the Crown Prince has come, Ru Chang naturally needs to follow suit. Completing the tasks assigned by the Crown Prince is even more important.
We arrived at Ouyang Lun's residence, which appeared to be just an ordinary little courtyard. It was quite normal for a newly appointed scholar of humble origins to lack the funds to purchase a mansion.
Especially during the Hongwu reign, it wasn't a good thing for officials to be too wealthy, and Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely ruthless towards corrupt officials. And to make matters worse, these officials' salaries were remarkably low.
Although the courtyard was relatively small, Ouyang Lun's house still had a gate in front of it, and he wore a blue cloth shirt and trousers.
This is also a decree recently issued by Zhu Yuanzhang. Previously, it only stipulated the colors and fabrics that were prohibited from being worn. Now it is clear that merchant families can only use silk fabric for clothing, while farmers can use spun yarn and silk fabric.
The doorman, with his "extraordinary bearing," seemed rather proud, as if he were a lowly official standing before a prime minister. But thinking about it, it made sense; his master had passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty-two, making him a truly talented young man, and pride was to be expected.
Ru Chang naturally knew what to do, and presented her visiting card, saying, "Student Ru Chang..."
The doorman casually accepted the visiting card and then dismissed it, saying, "The editor is busy with official duties and has no time to instruct you."
Chang Sen immediately stepped forward and quietly slipped a small bag into the door. The doorman squeezed it with his hand and immediately smiled, "Just wait, I'll inform you that whether the compiler sees you or not is up to your luck."
Everyone looked unhappy. "Even a seventh-rank official is difficult to deal with at the prime minister's gate"—everyone has heard of this saying, or at least the proverb "It's hard to deal with a petty devil."
But now they are experiencing firsthand what it means to be a troublesome little devil, and they are even reflecting on whether their own servants are just like that.
Just as Zhu Xiong Ying and his party were waiting, the gatekeeper appeared. He warmly invited Zhu Xiong Ying and his party into the mansion, while Zhu Xiong Ying walked behind them.
No wonder Ouyang Lun was Old Zhu's first choice for a son-in-law. He was young, a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), and still unmarried. Furthermore, he was good-looking and had a dignified appearance. He seemed like an excellent candidate for a son-in-law.
Chang Sen was the person in charge; his family was wealthy, and he was planning to find a tutor for his nephew. Ru Chang came to make the connection; she was an official in the same court as Ouyang Lun, so she probably had some influence.
Zhu Xiong Ying had been holding back, and he was certain that Ouyang Lun would be the son-in-law that Old Zhu would kill without any surprise!
Zhu Xiong Ying coughed angrily, and Chang Sen and Ru Chang immediately understood and took their leave. This surprised Ouyang Lun; the discussion had gone well, and they were about to conclude the ritual, so why did it end so abruptly?!
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying's stern face, everyone was filled with worry. However, it was also certain that Ouyang Lun's official career would be just so-so, and his glory of becoming a Jinshi might soon be followed by endless setbacks.
"Return to the palace." Zhu Xiong Ying was displeased and extremely angry. "Keep everything that happened today a secret!"
The Crown Prince returned to the palace and, unusually, immediately ordered his palanquin to be brought to him, heading straight for the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Seeing the Crown Prince's behavior, the eunuchs who were already waiting at the Meridian Gate dared not say anything, but only quickened their pace towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Crown Prince's urging.
The Crown Prince's expression was displeased, and both Zhu the Elder and Zhu Biao knew. Empress Ma, who was waiting in Kunning Palace, also hurriedly set off for Fengtian Hall.
Although Zhu Xiong Ying was only seven years old, an age when he seemed too young to understand, his family valued him highly for his precocious and sensible nature, and his opinions were naturally of utmost importance.
"Grandfather, that Ouyang Lun is no good match!" Zhu Xiong Ying, disregarding all manners, rushed into the Fengtian Hall and immediately declared, "That villain should not be given important responsibilities!"
Although Zhu Yuanzhang was startled, he still asked, "Why?"
Empress Ma was also very serious. She said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "Ying'er, I have taught you many times to be kind to civil and military officials. You are the Crown Prince, and your words can decide their life, death, and career. Do not make judgments casually."
“Grandmother, Ouyang Lun is not strict in managing his household!” Zhu Xiong Ying exclaimed excitedly. “His servants are arrogant and domineering, accepting bribes and behaving rudely. If Ouyang Lun is deceived, that’s one thing, but that man is shallow and greedy! If you marry into the royal family, he will become even more arrogant and domineering.”
Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, then his expression turned ugly. "Ying'er, tell me in detail."
Zhu Biao was filled with lingering fear. He thought Ouyang Lun was well-read, a talented man, and worthy of his sister. But now, if Ouyang Lun's character was so despicable, it could lead to disaster. He might even have to execute Ma Su with tears in his eyes, and his sister would be heartbroken.
Chang Sen, Li Jinglong, and Ru Chang were all immediately summoned to the palace. In fact, they had been waiting outside the palace the whole time, not daring to leave, as they had all guessed they would be summoned.
These three people answered honestly, simply reporting what they had seen and heard, without daring to comment or embellish, merely describing the facts. They were not qualified to offer any opinions on this matter.
Old Zhu's expression grew increasingly grim, while Zhu Biao's expression was not only grim but also awkward.
When Chang Sen and the others left, Empress Ma erupted, "Zhongba, Biao'er, can't you stand to see Zhu'er doing well?"
Old Zhu quickly stood up, extremely embarrassed, "Sister, let me explain."
Zhu Biao was even more embarrassed and quickly said, "Mother, this matter was handled by your son."
"Hmph!" Empress Ma was even angrier. "You two, one the emperor and the other the crown prince, are always thinking about matters of state. But don't forget, you are Zhu'er's father and her brothers! Even Ying'er can see that man is shallow and greedy. What about you? Are you pillars of the state or full of talent?"
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
