The three of them did not head towards the Zheng Family but took a turn and walked for four or five streets, arriving at the entrance of a modest establishment known as Common People's Home. Familiar with the place, they pushed the door open and sat down casually. After resting for a moment, Zheng Moru was brought in by the guards.
Upon seeing him, Cui Cheng did not hide his anger. The Loyalty and Righteousness Marquis—was he trying to act like a cunning wolf?
Zheng Moru, prioritizing his life, remained unperturbed and smiled ingratiatingly. "Imperial Teacher, please forgive me. I am forced into this situation; when the palace gates swing wide open, it may very well be the day I meet my demise."
"Where did you get this information?" Cui Cheng asked sharply. "According to your letter, there are three groups watching you, one of which comes from The Office of Censors."
Qi Xiaomian, though young, had been under Cui Cheng's watchful eye for some time. Cui Cheng had to admit that under Qi's management, The Office of Censors had become more stringent and had repeatedly cracked major cases. With his cautious nature, how could he possibly let you catch on?
After the intruders left in the afternoon, Cui Cheng's mind continued to race. The more he thought about it, the clearer things became; he sensed there were many oddities in this matter that warranted caution.
However, Zheng Moru was anxious and didn’t want to elaborate. He cryptically deflected, "Imperial Teacher, I have some connections here in the Court. It’s not that The Office of Censors missed any news; it’s from the Ministry of Justice..."
Zheng Moru deliberately paused before continuing, "Cui the Imperial Teacher, I’ve heard that your promotion has been rather slow."
This statement was like poking a tiger's whiskers. Cui Cheng sprang to his feet. "If Loyalty and Righteousness Marquis is so capable, why would you need my assistance?"
With that, he flicked his sleeve and prepared to leave.
Zheng Moru hurriedly grabbed him, speaking gently. "Cui the Imperial Teacher, don’t be hasty; let me finish my words—there are benefits to be had."
"My people may not be reliable for major tasks but are quite adept at small matters. If you wish to change a few positions for Your Excellency’s subordinates, I can still be of help."
"Once I return to Dayu Dynasty, I will send you a list of names; after all, I won’t be needing them anymore—I'll give them all to you, Imperial Teacher."
Hearing this, Cui Cheng sighed again—this person was cunning! As he was about to leave, he dangled benefits in front of him; it seemed he was also wary of Cui Cheng developing murderous intent.
Cui Cheng did not question the truthfulness of Zheng Moru's words. After decades as a spy, how could one not have some connections?
The prospect of benefits truly stirred his interest. The position of Imperial Teacher appeared glamorous on the surface; however, in order to maintain a lofty image back then, he had rejected many overtures. By the time he stepped down and found himself alone at the doorsteps with no visitors, it was too late for regrets. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to show his face again; this left the Imperial Master Manor an awkward presence in the Court.
Zheng Moru struck at his sore spot and provided ample temptation—connections were exactly what the Cui Family needed!
Cui Cheng's murderous intent began to waver gradually.
Throughout this exchange, Zheng Moru kept a close watch on Cui Cheng's expressions and noticed his lips twitching occasionally—a sign of his growing interest.
As daylight began to break through, Zheng Moru urged him again.
Cui Cheng finally spoke up: "There is a passage from this residence that leads outside the city."
Zheng Moru's eyes brightened; he lamented that he had indeed sought out the right person and wished he could dive right in immediately.
Cui Cheng said, "When you return to the country, won't I have to wait for over a month for that list? By then, if you refuse to give it to me, I won't have any method to deal with you."
Zheng Moru secretly cursed the old man but maintained a smile on his face. "I'll give you a portion first; I will definitely make the Imperial Teacher satisfied."
He handed over a piece of paper he had prepared earlier. When Cui Cheng saw the names written on it, his eyes widened in shock.
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