The Ming Dynasty: A bookstore sells the history of the Ming Dynasty, leaving Emperor Chongzhen bewil

Making a bet and jumping into the river may seem like a playful game between the ruler and his subject, but in reality, it was a struggle between them.

Qian Qianyi, as the leader of the Donglin Party, is also the most popular candidate to enter the cabinet. Liu Zongzhou is also a member of the Donglin Party. The fact that the two of them jumped into the icy river in front of the entire court is simply childish.

If such a thing were recorded in history, wouldn't it be a laughing stock?

The fact that the emperor not only did not stop this from happening, but also brought all the civil and military officials to see it, can only mean one thing: the emperor was happy for this to happen.

At the same time, the emperor was also making it clear that he was distancing himself from the Donglin Party members.

In fact, this is not the first time. From the imperial accusation of treason to the recent tax dispute, the emperor's attitude has become quite clear.

But why is this happening?

Why did the emperor, who used to be close to the Donglin Party and readily accepted their advice, suddenly seem to have changed his personality overnight?

Also, the emperor's last thought-provoking words.

"It seems that Minister Qian is not afraid of the cold water, but only of dying."

What does that mean?

Does this mean Qian Qianyi was afraid of death and cowardly?

Qian Qianyi hated being called a coward more than anything in his life. Now that he had bravely jumped into the icy river, the emperor still said such sarcastic words. Was he trying to provoke Qian Qianyi?

The entire court felt that they were increasingly unable to understand the emperor...

……

It's okay if you don't understand!

Faced with the doubts and confusion of the court officials, Chongzhen could only say what Zhu Ziming had once told him. Now, holding a copy of the History of Ming in his hand, he felt as if he were the only one who was sober in a world of drunks.

Therefore, Emperor Chongzhen was not only unaffected, but on the contrary, he was in a great mood.

Currently, significant progress has been made in disaster relief in Shaanxi. The next step is to execute those on the secret list he gave to Hong Chengchou. With Bi Ziyan in charge of the national treasury, things should gradually improve. Furthermore, Sun Chengzong is now in charge in the north, no longer the unpredictable Yuan Chonghuan.

Everything seems to be moving in a positive direction.

Meanwhile, Emperor Chongzhen seemed to have fewer things on his plate. At present, there was still one problem to be solved, which was that Censor Mao Yujian submitted a memorial saying that "the postal service is the most harmful thing to the people." Then Liu Mao submitted a memorial suggesting that the postal stations be reorganized and redundant staff be laid off.

However, in Chongzhen's view, none of these were important matters.

He now feels there is something important he needs to do.

That was to express my gratitude to Zhu Ziming.

The last time he went to the bookstore to ask for advice, he said that it was very important to him, and if Zhu Ziming could provide a strategy, he would definitely reward him handsomely.

Now, Zhu Ziming not only provided the answer, but it also worked.

Unfortunately, he had only brought a blue and white porcelain bottle with him at the time, and when he gave the bottle to the other person, he noticed the other person's expression.

He was somewhat taken aback, and somewhat disgusted, and hesitated to speak.

It's as if it's saying, "That's it?"

This put the proud Emperor Chongzhen in an awkward position, so he had no choice but to flee in a hurry.

Although the Chongzhen Emperor's reign was not considered wealthy, to be honest, he could still produce treasures as rewards in no time. So why did he only bring a cylindrical bottle? It was because he was in a hurry and didn't have time to prepare anything, so he just grabbed it along.

But men have pride!

Therefore, this time, Chongzhen was determined to carefully select a thank-you gift. As a father, he had to live up to his word.

After preparing the gifts, the Emperor took Wang Chengen out of the palace again, their destination still being the temporary palace near the imperial mausoleum.

Wang Chengen didn't know what the Emperor was always doing there, but he didn't want to know, nor did he dare to know. He only knew that the Emperor would let him know what he was supposed to know, and the more he knew about what he shouldn't know, the faster he would die.

Therefore, all he needed to do was keep quiet.

……

bookstore.

A gold bar, a bunch of glass grapes, and a genuine painting by Tang Yin, "Sunset Glow and Lonely Wild Goose," were placed in front of Zhu Ziming.

Zhu Ziming was stunned.

Before confirming the other party's identity, Zhu Ziming would most likely have suspected that these things were fake, since what normal person could produce such things? But now, these things only further prove the other party's identity.

Emperor Chongzhen was very satisfied with Zhu Ziming's reaction.

The last blue and white porcelain cylindrical vase was really not presentable. This time, I won't be so rude again, right?

At this moment, all Zhu Ziming wanted to say was: Ah Zhen, are you serious?

These items, if released, would be considered national treasures, but the more valuable they are, the less useful they are to Zhu Ziming.

Because you simply have no way to release it.

Even donations are difficult; its value is so high and its preservation so excellent that it easily causes a sensation.

"that……"

Zhu Ziming swallowed hard and said, "Zhu Zhen, why don't you take it back?"

"Sir, what do you mean by this?"

Chongzhen frowned and looked at Zhu Ziming: "I said last time that if you help me, I will repay you handsomely. Do you want me to go back on my word?"

"..."

Zhu Ziming had no choice but to accept it.

It must be said that the gold bars were truly tempting, not to mention the authentic calligraphy by Tang Bohu, and the string of glass grapes was really beautiful. One has to admire the craftsmanship of the artisans of ancient times.

After inviting the other person to sit down, Zhu Ziming brewed a pot of good tea and poured a cup for him.

"Zhu Zhen, what brings you here this time?" This time, Zhu Ziming took the initiative to inquire about the other party's situation.

However, he did not reveal that he knew the other party's identity. It was enough to know; there was no need to expose it. Otherwise, some things would be inconvenient to say. Just like the other party did not reveal that he was the emperor. This way, he could hear what he wanted to hear.

Emperor Chongzhen shook his head slightly, replying with a relaxed and contented expression, "Nothing much, just came to take a look."

Zhu Ziming suddenly remembered something and asked, "Oh right, how's that disaster relief we talked about last time going?"

Chongzhen nodded and replied, "It's basically resolved. Using your strategy, sir, Hong Chengchou obtained money and grain from the local gentry and is carrying out disaster relief in an orderly manner. I think there shouldn't be any major problems."

Zhu Ziming thought for a moment and said, "In fact, if you are talking about the Chongzhen era, the natural disaster in Shaanxi was far from being resolved."

Is it far from being resolved?

Upon hearing this, Chongzhen looked puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Zhu Ziming said: "The county annals of Hannan County in Shaanxi mention that in the first year of Chongzhen's reign, the sky over the entire Shaanxi province was red, which was considered an ominous sign at the time. It was also from this year that Shaanxi began to suffer a severe drought. This drought was not an ordinary natural disaster; it not only affected a wide area but also lasted for a long time and had a profound impact."

"Therefore, this severe drought in Shaanxi is only the beginning; an even greater disaster is about to strike."