Chaos of Ming 1628

Softening his tone alone was not enough. Seeing that Sun Qing still did not make any move, Cui Chengxiu's expression changed several times before he suppressed his anger.

He raised his hand and ordered the guards to sheathe their swords. He then slowly walked to the lowly position on the west side, straightened his clothes, placed his hands in front of his eyebrows, bowed deeply, and remained standing for a long time.

Sun Qing was also taken aback. He knew that in the Ming Dynasty, the east was considered the most prestigious direction, and the most respected person resided in the east. To lower oneself to stand in the west was tantamount to humbly submitting.

Cui Chengxiu was truly flexible and adaptable, but unfortunately, he didn't use that energy to benefit the people. Instead, he was thinking about how to persecute the people and seek personal gain.

Meng Zhaoxiang and Su Jiuda immediately understood the meaning behind the gesture. Both were shocked, exchanging a glance, completely unprepared for Cui Chengxiu's sudden change of heart, who had been ready to fight and kill just moments before. They were even willing to abandon all pretense of dignity to go this far.

Amidst a multitude of doubts, alarm bells rang in my mind.

Although the common people did not understand these etiquette rules, they could tell that the man who had been so aggressive just moments before had now put aside his airs and was instead pleading.

Who Cui Chengxiu was was unimportant; what mattered was that he was the head of the eunuch faction and also a high-ranking official. Yet, even such a powerful man had to be extremely respectful to their Lord Sun, and even bow to him.

It is clear that their Lord Sun was actually more powerful than the head of the eunuch faction.

For a moment, everyone was stunned and in awe, and discussions arose everywhere, shaking the entire place.

Anyone who can follow Cui Chengxiu around is bound to be a powerful figure wherever they go. But now, his superior is actually bowing and begging for help. He is at a loss, has lost face, and is caught in a dilemma.

As Minister Cui bowed deeply, the uproar instantly turned into shock, and the surrounding noise suddenly stopped.

Sun Qing had expected Cui Chengxiu to back down, but he hadn't expected him to go to such lengths.

As the saying goes, things will turn around when they reach their extreme. If he still doesn't know what's good for him, he might not even be allowed to discuss things with Wei Zhongxian before Cui Chengxiu kills him on the spot.

"Your Excellency, you are too kind." Sun Qing hurriedly stood up and offered a helping hand.

Cui Chengxiu gritted her teeth again.

Sun Qing ignored them, stood up, and told Meng Zhaoxiang and Su Jiuda, "I'm going to the capital with Minister Cui to see how things are progressing in Jiahe County. I'll have to trouble you two."

The wind grew stronger and colder, and Sun Qing emphasized again, "We must hurry!"

The two men remained worried, but still respectfully replied, "Please be careful, young master."

Sun Qing nodded, but then turned around for a moment and suddenly laughed, "By the way, the sign can't be taken off."

Only when the brand is there will more people gravitate towards him.

Just as Cui Chengxiu was about to get into the carriage, upon hearing this, his brows furrowed deeply again. He gritted his teeth and climbed into the carriage.

The journey was smooth; the eunuch faction was traveling with excellent horses, and they were even traveling much faster than usual.

Everything in the capital was bustling and prosperous.

Before Sun Qinghai could experience the charm and culture of the Ming Dynasty capital, he was led into a small alley and entered the mansion through the back door.

Upon entering the mansion, one is struck by the intricately carved beams and painted rafters, the artificial hills and pavilions, and the countless rare and precious plants in the courtyard. However, one only passes by in a hurry, without having time to appreciate them in detail.

When you stop, there are only a few paintings around you, and the room is dark, not even letting in light during the day.

Only the flickering candlelight made the room alternate between light and darkness.

After that, the anxiety on Cui Chengxiu's face disappeared, and he sat to the side with a cold and arrogant expression.

Having suffered a loss at Sun Qing's hands, and without clarifying the Grand Eunuch's stance, he had no desire to have any further dealings with him. He adopted a perfunctory and distant demeanor, completely ignoring Sun Qing.

The tea had gone cold several times, and Sun Qing was getting quite bored. Thinking about what was about to happen, he couldn't help but joke, "Minister Cui, I have some knowledge of physiognomy and divination. Since I'm bored anyway, why don't I perform a divination for you?"

As he spoke, he held up one finger: "One divination session will be rewarded with one thousand taels of silver."

Cui Chengxiu slightly raised his eyelids, showing no hint of sarcasm. Ever since Tian Ergeng returned from Jiaohe, he had been speaking highly of Sun Qing at every turn. It was quite intriguing to wonder what abilities this man possessed.

Now that he has accurately predicted the political climate at court, even the Grand Eunuch wants to see him. Cui Chengxiu is quite curious.

"You've got quite the nerve. I'll give you two thousand taels, and if you calculate it correctly, I'll give you another two thousand taels." Cui Chengxiu's eyes were full of mockery.

Sun Qing sighed inwardly, realizing that only officials in the capital had the money. In Jiahe County, he had racked his brains to barely raise the funds for construction. But with people like Cui Chengxiu, a few words were all it took to earn four thousand taels of silver.

The smile had barely appeared on his face when Cui Chengxiu's eyes turned cold, and he warned in a low voice, "If your calculations are inaccurate, don't blame me for being ruthless and using your head to play football."

Did people in ancient times like to threaten others with their lives so easily?

Sun Qing chuckled inwardly, feigning an air of scrutiny as he slowly scanned the man's features. He thought to himself, "I never imagined the famous Cui Chengxiu would be such a short, dark-skinned, fat, and scrawny fellow."

After two loud spitting sounds, Sun Qing drawled, "Oh dear, oh dear, this is terrible, this is terrible."

Choi Seong-soo said impatiently, "Just say what you have to say."

"The gentleman's forehead is shrouded in dark aura, his life palace is clouded, and he is currently facing misfortune in the coming month and year. There are villains lurking around him, and gossip and slander will keep coming. Impeachments from the court will come one after another. He is surrounded by sycophants, but in reality, everyone is secretly kicking him when he is down."

"Is this all you've got?" Cui Chengxiu said with disdain. "Anyone who works in the court can see through this."

Sun Qing wasn't in a hurry and continued, "The most dangerous aspect of this calamity isn't the harm inflicted by outsiders, but rather the emotional distress and mental chaos that arise when one is abandoned by everyone and has no way out. When the knot in one's heart is hard to untie and all hope is lost."

"I think the man's fate is to end his life by seeking his own death."

Doesn't this mean that Choi Seong-soo is likely to have a mental breakdown and choose to commit suicide?

Cui Chengxiu laughed wildly, then looked at Sun Qing, his eyes flashing with murderous intent: "You bastard!"

"Are you saying that I will commit suicide to end the rest of my life?" Cui Chengxiu found this statement utterly absurd: "Boy, you can fool others, but you can't fool me."

"I can only say that you can't predict the future. You can say I was killed by someone, or died of illness, or that I committed suicide—that's absolutely impossible!"

"Looks like your nonsense has to stop here. We're taking your head!"

Cui Chengxiu was furious, saying that saying he committed suicide was more humiliating than bowing to Sun Qing. Hatred surged in his eyes; even if the eunuch wanted to see this man, there was absolutely no way he would return to Jiahe County alive.

"Young Master Sun is indeed unique and refreshing!" A voice came from behind the curtain.

With the sound of light footsteps, a door suddenly opened in the otherwise smooth wall.

Two figures slowly emerged, but it was pitch black inside, and their faces could not be seen.

Upon hearing the voice, Cui Chengxiu immediately bowed and exclaimed, "Greetings, Eunuch! I have already invited Young Master Sun here."

"Um!"

Is this man Wei Zhongxian?

Sun Qing chuckled inwardly, never expecting that the infamous Wei Zhongxian would be so fond of eavesdropping.

Sun Qing also bowed: "I am Sun from Gaoyang. Greetings, Eunuch."

"The Sun family?" Wei Zhongxian's voice was mocking as he slowly said, "I'm afraid you, young master, are not a member of the Sun family!"