Chapter 373

The fourth time!

Su Qiao saw Cui Linyu in the residence for the fourth time.

It was still two days before the Korean delegation would present themselves to the Emperor.

Not a single person was in the main hall; only Cui Linyu, with a solemn expression, looked at Su Qiao and said, "Mr. Su, this time I must ask for your help again."

"Oh, no problem, no problem. We are not meeting for the first time; coming to me is the right choice!"

Su Qiao chuckled, made Cui Linyu sit down comfortably, and then, chuckling, personally poured him a cup of tea.

Hmm, Cui Linyu had not received this treatment in the previous three times.

It was only on this visit by Cui Linyu that Su Qiao saw the brocade box in his arms again.

It should be intended as a gift.

Last time, a banquet plus acting in a play earned him fifty thousand taels in silver notes.

This time, Cui Linyu's expression looked calm.

But in reality?

He was merely pretending to be calm in front of Su Qiao; inside, the string in his heart was surely pulled tight.

More excited than anyone else!

Moreover, the time left for him to act was not much; in two days, they would enter the palace to pay respects to Your Majesty and present the tribute.

If anything is to be done, it must be within these two days!

"Mr. Su, Young Master Su, we have dealt with each other before; this time I have come to beg Young Master Su."

While speaking, Cui Linyu looked outside, seeing no one approaching.

Only then did he lean in close and whisper to Su Qiao, "Actually, I concealed something from Young Master Su before."

Su Qiao's expression changed just at the right moment, "What did Vice Envoy Cui conceal?"

"Hehe, I will be frank with Young Master Su; Young Master Su must not be angry..."

As he spoke, Cui Linyu revealed his true identity.

Su Qiao also cooperated very well, constantly changing his facial expression.

Actually, this was rather crude, but Cui Linyu truly did not see through it.

Because he believed Su Qiao and he were grasshoppers tied to the same rope.

If one died, the other could not live.

Who else but Su Qiao had accepted his huge bribe?

After Cui Linyu finished stating his identity in one breath, he leisurely sat there drinking tea.

Waiting for Su Qiao to digest this news before continuing the discussion.

Hmm, it would be best if Su Qiao asked him and showed some panic.

Then he might pay a smaller price and could manipulate Su Qiao a little.

According to reason, various ministers of the court are unwilling to accept gifts and help.

Only Su Qiao is willing.

Moreover, Su Qiao holds significant weight in the heart of the Great Ming Emperor.

Someone as rigorous and highly suspicious as Cui Linyu would surely suspect.

But through investigation over such a long time,

he discovered Su Qiao held no official post, existing only in a capacity like a private advisor.

A private advisor, without any official post.

He filled in the blanks himself.

This private advisor Su Qiao must have some skills, be greedy for money, and so on; anyway, he is not a court official, so no one can manage his bribery.

After all, he is not on the court!

Therefore, being somewhat arrogant and dead set on money is understandable.

Mainly, seeing that Su Qiao was relatively young, he relaxed his guard.

Places that were originally unreasonable or had loopholes, he filled in himself.

Truly, in his subconscious, the pressure was too great, feeling he might have to rely on Su Qiao.

"Vice Envoy Cui, this is not honorable of you; how could you toss such a huge matter to me so rashly?"

Su Qiao pretended to be somewhat dissatisfied and shouted at Cui Linyu.

Cui Linyu saw Su Qiao's reaction and was also very satisfied.

This is the reaction Su Qiao should have!

"Young Master Su, I have no choice; my identity is extremely sensitive in my own country; even in Great Ming, I dare not expose it casually."

Cui Linyu acted quite convincingly, appearing extremely pitiful in front of Su Qiao.

Su Qiao showed a look of difficulty, his expression changing constantly on his face, seeming very hesitant, wanting to accept it but afraid of an incident he could not handle.

Cui Linyu, who had been stealing glances at Su Qiao from the side, felt it necessary to give a push.

Or rather, it was necessary to make Su Qiao agree sooner.

Click!

Cui Linyu placed the box he brought onto the table.

Su Qiao's attention was immediately drawn over.

"... How much?"

Su Qiao seemed so blinded by money that his brain would not turn.

Cui Linyu chuckled, took out more than ten silver notes, and placed them before Su Qiao.

Fifteen thousand taels of silver!

Su Qiao glanced over it roughly and couldn't help but exclaim inwardly at the wealth.

No, I must pinch myself!

I absolutely cannot show fear!

Hiss...

It hurts!

Su Qiao's expression remained unchanged; he looked up and said to Cui Linyu, "Not enough! Do you know what you are asking for? That is the land of Liaodong, that is the spoils of war Your Majesty just conquered. Even if that place is unimportant, before Your Majesty, it is a toy won by His own hand!"

"Before the novelty has worn off, if I rashly make a request to you, I will certainly bear great risk, and Your Majesty will also turn against me!"

Cui Linyu thought for a moment and felt that what Su Qiao said was true.

The Jianzhou Jurchens and Tatars have been resolved by the Great Ming Emperor, considered a major threat to the heart resolved.

Many Great Ming commoners have even been relocated to Liaodong.

It is clear that this land holds considerable weight in the Great Ming Emperor's heart.

This is undoubtedly snatching food from a tiger's mouth!

After thinking, Cui Linyu took out several more banknotes.

Are you deliberately fooling a ghost?

Su Qiao's face immediately turned black.

Don't you think I know how many banknotes were originally left in your box?

If you don't leave them all, I'll take your surname!

Su Qiao reached out and pressed down on the box with one hand.

He looked up, met Cui Linyu's eyes, and said, "I will handle it for you!"

"... What if it fails?"

Cui Linyu felt his throat was somewhat dry, and his heartbeat was very fast.

"If it fails, I will return half! After all, at that time I will certainly speak up for you, which might offend Your Majesty; half is compensation!"

It sounded somewhat domineering; Cui Linyu's heart was bleeding, yet he knew he could only agree.

"Good! This is all the funding our General gave us; if it is not successful, I will definitely be punished when I return."

227, Cui Linyu's secret hand!

"Rest assured, there will be no major punishment; I absolutely can get it done for you. If it fails, come find me!"

Having taken the box, Su Qiao began to make grand promises again.

Cui Linyu knew the matter was urgent; although he reminded Su Qiao of two things before leaving.