Chapter 910: Empress Ma helps, private visit incognito
Then, Zhu Han changed the topic and mentioned a detailed issue: "As for our identity, we plan to cover up our whereabouts as businessmen. This will not only reduce unnecessary trouble, but also provide a deeper understanding of the private economic situation."
When Queen Ma heard this, a glimmer of approval flashed in her eyes: "This is a good idea. Being a merchant will indeed help you hide your whereabouts and gain a deeper understanding of the people's sentiments. I will have someone prepare some relevant merchant documents and a cargo list to bring to you."
Zhu Biao said gratefully: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for being so thoughtful. With these preparations, we believe that this trip will be able to successfully complete the mission."
Empress Ma smiled and nodded, her eyes full of expectations and encouragement for the two of them: "Go, you will definitely live up to expectations."
Under the arrangement of Empress Ma, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han worked intensively to prepare for the tour incognito. When the two returned to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his confidant Li Zhong and began to assign tasks.
"Li Zhong, go and prepare two sets of ordinary businessmen's clothes. They should be of plain texture and without any royal markings." Zhu Biao ordered, with unquestionable determination in his eyes.
Li Zhong took the order and left, and soon came back with several sets of clothes, showing them to Zhu Biao and Zhu Han one by one. Zhu Han carefully checked each piece of clothing to make sure there were no omissions, and then nodded to express satisfaction.
"Your Highness, Uncle Han Wang, the clothes are ready. Next, we need to prepare some silver and daily necessities." Li Zhong continued, looking quite capable.
Zhu Han thought for a while and added: "In addition to silver, you also need to prepare some dry food and water in case of inconvenience on the road. In addition, prepare several fake merchant documents and cargo lists in case of emergencies."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then turned to another attendant, Zhang Quan: "Zhang Quan, go and choose a few reliable guards. Be sure to choose those who are agile and have a tight tongue. This trip needs to be low-key and not public."
Zhang Quan took the order and left, and soon came back with several strong guards, saluting Zhu Biao and Zhu Han one by one. Zhu Han looked at the guards carefully and nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, they are all good players.
.On this trip, we must protect His Highness’s safety and not be careless in the slightest.”
The guards agreed in unison and seemed well-trained. Seeing this, Zhu Han felt a little relieved.
Then, Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao and said solemnly: "Your Highness, we still need to make a detailed itinerary plan for this trip. Taking into account His Majesty's expectations and our goals, we need to select places where people's livelihood issues are the most prominent for inspection.
.”
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "What Uncle Han Wang said is absolutely true. I have ordered people to collect information on people's livelihood conditions in various places. We will study it together later and formulate a practical itinerary plan."
The two immediately immersed themselves in the maps and information on the desk and studied them carefully. Zhu Han put forward his own opinions and suggestions from time to time, while Zhu Biao listened carefully and recorded them. The cooperation between the two seemed to be in perfect harmony, as if they had been comrades for many years.
.
After some discussions and revisions, they finally worked out a detailed itinerary plan. Zhu Han looked at the plan with satisfaction, his eyes shining with expectation: "Your Highness, with this plan, we will definitely gain something from this trip.
Quite abundant.”
Zhu Biao also seemed confident: "Uncle Han Wang is right. With sufficient preparations and clear goals, we will be able to truthfully report the true situation among the people to the emperor."
As the itinerary plan was finalized, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han became more and more excited, but also more cautious. Zhu Biao turned to Li Zhong and said, "Li Zhong, go inform your mother and tell her that everything is ready and we are about to set off."
.At the same time, please keep it confidential and this matter should not be made public."
Li Zhong withdrew in response. Before leaving, he did not forget to warn: "Your Highness, Your Highness King Han, you must be careful during this trip. Your servants will be waiting for good news in the palace."
After Li Zhong left, Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao, with both encouragement and warning in his eyes: "Your Highness, going on patrol in private is different from palace life. You need to do everything yourself and experience the suffering of the people, so that you can deeply understand the real situation among the people. I hope that Your Highness can abandon the constraints of identity.
, immerse yourself in it wholeheartedly.”
When Zhu Biao heard this, his expression became more determined: "Uncle Han, don't worry, Biao'er will definitely keep it in mind. This trip is not only for the expectations of his father, but also for the future of the Ming Dynasty. Biao'er is willing to work with his uncle to understand the people's sentiments and contribute to the future of the Ming Dynasty."
The people seek welfare."
Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "His Highness has such determination, which is really a blessing to the Ming Dynasty. However, we still need to check the luggage again to ensure that everything is safe."
With that said, the two carefully checked the clothing, silver coins, dry food, and the forged merchant documents and cargo lists again. Zhu Han specifically reminded: "These documents and lists need to be made more realistic to avoid arousing suspicion."
Zhu Biao nodded, picked up a document, looked at it carefully, and praised: "Li Zhong is really careful in his work. This document is almost genuine."
When everything was ready, Zhu Han looked at the sky outside the window and estimated the time of departure: "Your Highness, it's getting late, we should set off. We still have to travel a bit on the road to avoid missing the best opportunity for inspection."
Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood in front of the East Palace Gate, looking at the journey they were about to embark on. Their expressions were particularly dignified and determined. Zhu Han checked his luggage again, and then said to Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, although this trip is
Cover it up as a businessman, but remember to be careful in your words and deeds to avoid exposing your flaws."
Zhu Biao nodded, determination flashing in his eyes: "Uncle Han, don't worry, Biao'er will be careful in his words and deeds and fulfill his mission. However, leaving the palace will inevitably make you feel a little uneasy."
Zhu Han smiled slightly and said comfortingly: "Your Highness, there is no need to worry. With us accompanying you to protect you, we will definitely protect you. Besides, this trip is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the well-being of all people. Your Highness should focus on the overall situation and don't worry too much."
Trivial matters in the palace."
When Zhu Biao heard this, his worries a little lessened, and he glanced at Zhu Han gratefully: "What Uncle Han said is absolutely true. Biao'er has learned a lesson. I will go all out on this trip and live up to the trust of my father and mother."
This chapter is not over yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading! At this time, the guards led by Zhang Quan were ready to go. They were all in high spirits, with perseverance and loyalty in their eyes. Zhang Quan stepped forward and bowed to report: "Your Highness,
Your Highness King Han, everything is ready, please give instructions."
Zhu Han nodded and said to Zhang Quan and the guards: "This trip has an arduous task and a heavy responsibility. I hope you will be careful to protect His Highness's safety, and also pay attention to your own safety. We are a team, and no one's safety is at stake.
are all crucial.”
The guards agreed in unison, with loud and powerful voices, showing their firm determination and confidence.
Zhu Biao looked at these loyal guards, and a warm current surged in his heart. He turned to Zhu Han and said: "Uncle Han, with them here, Biao'er feels more at ease. Let's set off!"
Zhu Han nodded, and walked out of the East Palace side by side with Zhu Biao, embarking on a private tour. Along the way, the two exchanged their understanding and expectations of the area they were about to inspect from time to time, and their tacit understanding and trust became deeper and deeper.
Walking to the outskirts, a vast field came into view. The busy figures of farmers in the distance evoked Zhu Biao's endless reverie about folk life. He turned to Zhu Han and said: "Uncle Han, look at the people working in the fields.
They work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Although their lives are hard, they are full of hope and tenacity. Our trip will definitely bring them real help."
Zhu Han smiled slightly, looked at the vibrant fields with gentle eyes, and responded softly: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. Although these people live a simple life, they cultivate this land with their hard-working hands and raise countless lives.
.As a royal family, we should care more about the people and sympathize with their sufferings."
When Zhu Biao heard this, his expression became more determined. He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to breathe in the tenacity and hope of this field into his chest: "Uncle Han Wang, Biao'er is willing to use this as an opportunity to deeply understand the sufferings of the people and share the worries of his father.
For the benefit of the people.”
The two continued walking and soon came to a small village. At the entrance of the village, several old people were sitting around under an old locust tree, leisurely basking in the sun and chatting about home affairs. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other and decided to
Go up and talk to them.
Zhu Han stepped forward first, bowed his hands and said, "Old man, we are merchants. We are passing by your place and would like to ask for a bowl of water. Is it possible for us to do it conveniently?"
A white-haired old man raised his head and saw that the two men were very impressive but also humble and polite, so he greeted them with a smile: "You two gentlemen have come from afar, so you are certainly an honored guest. I will go get you some water right away."
Zhu Biao followed Zhu Han closely and also saluted and thanked the old people. When the old man brought some water, the two of them took it and took a sip. They felt the sweetness quenched their thirst and felt warm in their hearts.
Zhu Han put down the water bowl and started chatting with the old people: "My father-in-law, the people here are simple and honest, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. It is really a paradise. I wonder what changes have occurred in recent years?"
When the old man heard this, his expression changed slightly, and he sighed and said: "Young master, I don't know. In the past, this place had plenty of food and clothing. However, in recent years, taxes have become heavier, coupled with successive years of drought and poor harvests, the people's lives have become increasingly difficult."
When Zhu Biao heard this, he frowned and asked with concern: "Is this happening? Didn't the imperial court do something about it?"
Another old man shook his head, his eyes full of helplessness: "Although the imperial court has provided disaster relief, the money and grain are limited, and the money distributed to each household is a drop in the bucket. What's more, some officials are filling their own pockets, how much can the people get?"
When Zhu Han heard this, his heart sank. He said softly: "We will bear in mind what my father-in-law said. This trip is to understand the sentiments of the people and tell the real situation to heaven. Don't worry, the Ming Dynasty will not sit back and watch the people suffer.
"
After listening to this, a glimmer of hope flashed in the old man's eyes. He stood up tremblingly and bowed deeply to Zhu Han and Zhu Biao: "If you two gentlemen can say a few words of justice to us hard-working people, that would be our great help."
My benefactor!"
Zhu Biao quickly stepped forward to help the old man up and said sincerely: "My father-in-law is serious. As a royal family, it is our duty to seek benefits for the people. Please rest assured that we will truthfully report the situation here to our father."
, looking for a solution.”
At this time, a middle-aged woman on the side couldn't help but interjected, with tears in her eyes: "Two gentlemen, many of our children here do not have enough to eat due to years of famine, and they are so thin that they are skin and bones.
Head. Look at these children. They should be lively and jumping around, but now they can’t even run..."
Zhu Han felt even more sad when he heard this. He looked around and saw several children with sallow faces and skinny faces, looking at the water bowls in their hands with longing eyes. He quickly handed the water bowl to the nearest child and said softly:
"Kid, drink it, this water is very sweet."
The child took the water bowl and took a cautious sip, with a long-lost smile on his face, as if it was the most delicious nectar he had ever drunk. When other children saw this, they also gathered around, with the same desire shining in their eyes.
Seeing this, Zhu Han said to Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, we must report the situation here to our father as soon as possible, and at the same time find ways to provide these children with some help within our ability."
Zhu Biao nodded, with a firm light shining in his eyes: "Uncle Han Wang is right, we cannot let these innocent children continue to suffer. After returning, I will immediately draft a memorial to report the situation here to my father in detail, and request him
Allocate funds for disaster relief."
Zhu Han added: "In addition, we can also mobilize some wealthy businessmen and gentry to donate money and materials to help these people tide over the difficulties. People are kind-hearted, and as long as we sincerely consider the people, there will always be people willing to lend a helping hand.
"
Hearing this, the old man was moved to tears and said: "You two gentlemen are so kind-hearted! Our people here will definitely remember your kindness!"
Zhu Han and Zhu Biao quickly and humbly expressed their disapproval, and continued to talk to the villagers to understand their specific difficulties and needs. They asked in detail about the planting situation of crops, how the harvest was, whether the tax burden was too heavy, and other issues, and discussed them together.
One is on record.
As time went by and the sun gradually set in the west, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao realized that it was getting late and they had to return to their residence to rest as soon as possible. They bid farewell to the villagers and promised to do their best to help them solve their problems. The villagers reluctantly left
As I sent them away from the village, my eyes were full of gratitude and hope.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao embarked on their way home, but their hearts were still concerned about the people in the village. As they walked, the two talked and discussed how to more effectively help the villagers in trouble.
Zhu Biao frowned and said worriedly: "Uncle Hanwang, the thin figures of those children are really heartbreaking. We must take action as soon as possible to get more assistance for them."
Zhu Han nodded in agreement, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. We must not only report the truth to the father, but also mobilize more forces to participate in this disaster relief operation."
As they were talking, the two passed by a dilapidated field and saw several ragged farmers working with their heads down, their faces full of exhaustion and helplessness. Zhu Han stopped and stepped forward to chat with an old farmer.
"My father-in-law, why is this field so barren?" Zhu Han asked with concern.