Chapter 117: Let This Not Become a Precedent

Seeing Luo Sigong pulling him back, a flicker of surprise crossed Chen Hong's face as he asked with some confusion, "Director Luo, is there something else?"

In truth, Chen Hong knew very well that Luo Sigong simply wanted to ask about His Majesty's attitude.

Actually, Chen Hong also wanted Luo Sigong to help him analyze the situation, but he could hold himself back.

If he let the other party speak first, he would seize the initiative.

Seeing Chen Hong's puzzled expression, Luo Sigong looked somewhat embarrassed and quickly said with a smile, "Eunuch Chen, this humble official has long admired you. Now that we meet today, there are some matters I wish to seek your guidance on."

With that, Luo Sigong made a gesture of invitation and added with a smile, "This humble official will surely repay you handsomely."

This meant money was coming. Chen Hong was immediately delighted inside.

See that? Hold back a little and benefits come knocking on the door. He really was clever after all.

Sitting back down, Chen Hong asked, "May I ask what matter Director Luo wishes to inquire about?"

Luo Sigong did not raise his question first. Instead, he turned and went out to give some instructions, then returned and sat down before speaking: "Eunuch Chen, this matter at hand is rather thorny, and this humble official truly does not know what to do. Could Eunuch Chen teach me?"

These words were spoken simply, appearing to be a sincere request for Chen Hong's help, but in reality, that was not the case at all.

He did not actually intend for Chen Hong to truly help.

The reason he asked was that Luo Sigong wanted to learn Zhu Youxiao's views through Chen Hong.

But that would be directly probing the Emperor's thoughts.

One dared not ask, and the other dared not answer.

Asking through such a roundabout method was the most fitting approach.

And Chen Hong's reply was not his own opinion at all, nor something he had devised himself, but rather the Emperor's thoughts that he had discerned.

Hearing Luo Sigong's question, Chen Hong furrowed his brow and said expressionlessly, "Director Luo, I am a palace attendant and it is not convenient for me to interfere in matters outside the court. So I cannot offer you advice on these affairs. However, in my view, whether inside or outside, we are all carrying out tasks for Your Majesty. The Great Ming is a place of rules. Handling everything according to the rules is always the right course. Director Luo, what do you think?"

After saying this, Chen Hong sat there and spoke no more.

He had said all he needed to say. Whether he could grasp the meaning was up to Luo Sigong himself.

But in Chen Hong's view, the other party would certainly understand. If he could not grasp even this, then he might as well not be an official, and Chen Hong should not cooperate with him either.

Because such a fool would not only fail to help him but would ultimately drag him down as well.

Sitting quietly in the chair, Chen Hong waited for Luo Sigong to comprehend on his own.

Just as Chen Hong had imagined, grasping his words was not difficult for Luo Sigong at all.

These words were spoken with high-sounding rhetoric. First, he distanced himself from his own position, conveying that he did not care about this matter and would not offer advice. He said a bunch of empty platitudes, all amounting to handling things according to the rules.

The so-called handling things according to the rules actually meant no leniency, no room for negotiation.

When facing this particular matter, handling it according to the rules made it even simpler.

Do whatever needs to be done, do it strictly and severely, do not engage in hollow pleasantries — come down hard on them.

Luo Sigong understood in an instant and said with a smile, "This humble official was too fixated. Indeed, everything should be handled according to the rules. The Great Ming is a place of rules, and handling things by the rules is always right. This humble official thanks Eunuch Chen for the reminder."

With that, Luo Sigong stood up and bowed respectfully to Chen Hong.

"If Director Luo has nothing else, I shall take my leave. His Majesty is still waiting for me." Chen Hong also stood up and said with a smile.

"This humble official will see you out, Eunuch." Luo Sigong made a gesture of invitation.

The two walked out of the room one after the other.

At the entrance, a person was already waiting there.

Luo Sigong walked over expressionlessly, took some things from that person's hands, then waved for him to withdraw.

Returning to Chen Hong's side, Luo Sigong presented an item to Chen Hong and said with a smile, "A small token of appreciation. I hope Eunuch will not refuse."

Chen Hong was taken aback and said with a stern face, "What are you doing?"

A fawning smile on his face, Luo Sigong continued, "Eunuch's words have enlightened this humble official. Just a few trifles, hardly worthy of your acceptance."

Chen Hong quietly looked at Luo Sigong for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "Let this not become a precedent."

After saying these words, Chen Hong reached out and took the item Luo Sigong offered, then silently tucked it into his sleeve and walked forward as if nothing had happened.

After leaving the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters, Chen Hong boarded his carriage and then reached into his sleeve to pull out the item.

Opening it for a look, Chen Hong was immediately stunned.

He had not expected Luo Sigong's generosity to be so substantial.

It was a small cylinder rolled from two sheets of paper.

When Chen Hong unrolled it, he found two documents inside.

The one on top was a deed to a house — a small courtyard in the capital.

The other was a land deed — one hundred mu of land in the western outskirts of the capital.

Together, these two gifts were truly substantial. Although they were not money, they were far more practical than money.

After all, there were many things in this world that money could not buy.

If he wanted to use these two items himself, he could; if he did not, he could sell them and turn them into silver. Besides, these two sheets of paper were very convenient to give.

Gently stroking the two documents, a smile spread across Chen Hong's face.

Indeed, with power in hand, money follows.

This was still while he was merely cooperating with Luo Sigong, and the man was already sending him such gifts.

So what if he held sole authority himself?

Chen Hong could not help but think of Wei Zhongxian. Surely Wei Zhongxian had already raked in a fortune overflowing to the brim?

If he alone controlled the Eastern Depot, wealth would surely come pouring in.

A thought of replacing him arose in Chen Hong's heart.

But he also knew that even if he truly harbored such intentions, he had to keep them buried deep in his heart and absolutely avoid drawing Wei Zhongxian's attention.

They were currently in a competitive relationship. If that old fellow learned that he intended to take his place, he would probably fight Chen Hong to the death.

There was also another crucial reason — His Majesty was currently very fond of Wei Zhongxian and was in the midst of entrusting him with great responsibility.

If he revealed such thoughts at this moment, His Majesty might become displeased with him.

Only when he found a way to discredit Wei Zhongxian could he monopolize power. Moreover, he would need to ally with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, using them to drag Wei Zhongxian down so that he himself could rise.

By then, both the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard would be in his hands.

Wouldn't that mean even more money?

Chen Hong fantasized inwardly, a smile spreading across his face, as if he could already see the day when his power would overshadow the realm.

"Steward, we have arrived."

Only when someone outside called to him did Chen Hong snap back to his senses.