Chapter 260: Bribery

Chapter 260: Bribery

Zhou Wenyuan carefully tucked the near-bursting pouch into his bosom, patted it, and then stood up with satisfaction.

Seeing this, the officials felt as if pardoned, forcing smiles and bowing to bid farewell to the Lord Censor.

But unexpectedly, just as Zhou Wenyuan was about to leave, he seemed to recall something.

He paused mid-step, turned, and beckoned to the waiter who had been waiting in the corner of the private room.

The waiter jumped, quickly scurried over, and bowed, awaiting orders.

Zhou Wenyuan cleared his throat and said in an extremely natural tone: "Uh... that roasted suckling pig was excellent. Pack two more for me, freshly out of the oven."

All the officials: "…………"

Their expressions as they looked at Zhou Wenyuan could no longer be described as complex; it was as if they were looking at some creature beyond their comprehension.

Leftovers... and taking them home? And two whole ones?!

This lord... is his face as crisp as that pig's skin?

Zhou Wenyuan acted as if he hadn't noticed their stunned gazes, even flashing a grin at Zhou Wenyuan and the others, explaining: "Such a delicacy is truly memorable.

I'll take some back to eat if I get hungry while handling official business at night. Dear lords... you have no objections, right?"

Zhou Wenyuan's mouth twitched, his facial muscles almost frozen from smiling, and he waved repeatedly.

"Of course, of course! If you like it, it's the fortune of Drunk Tea House, and an honor for the cuisine of Yuanzhou!

I will have it arranged immediately, and make sure you get the best!" As he spoke, he quickly signaled to the prefectural judge, who resignedly went off to run the errand again.

Thus, Zhou Wenyuan, with a bulging "loan" in his bosom and followed by a servant carrying two oil-paper-wrapped roasted suckling pigs, strode out of Drunk Tea House's main gate, escorted by the officials with complex, stunned expressions.

Back at the prepared official residence, Zhou Wenyuan looked around.

The courtyard was elegantly neat, not luxurious, but fully equipped.

Zhou Wenyuan kept one pig trotter for himself and handed the rest to Lü Rou.

"Lü Rou, take the rest and share with Ling Feng and the others. You've worked hard on this journey."

"Alright…" Lü Rou smiled and accepted.

Late at night, Zhou Wenyuan gnawed on the fragrant pig trotter, his mouth greasy.

After eating his fill, he licked the grease from his lips, walked to the desk, and spread out paper.

Just then, Lü Rou brought in hot water for him to wash his hands. Seeing him ready to write, she stepped forward to grind ink.

Looking at the still-unwiped grease at the corner of his mouth, she asked softly: "Master, are you writing to the prince?"

At these words, the three hidden guards clinging silently to the rafters like geckos immediately pricked up their ears.

Jiyue shot Wufeng a challenging look, who remained expressionless, too lazy to join in such childish one-upmanship.

He silently shifted his bottom backward, settling into a more comfortable position.

But Zhou Wenyuan, as he picked up a brush and dipped it in ink, said: "No, I'm writing to His Majesty."

A faint sound of someone almost losing their balance on the beams came from above.

Wufeng instantly straightened up, a slight victorious smile twitching on his usually blank face.

He shot a smug, triumphant glance at Jiyue, whose face immediately fell.

Zhou Wenyuan, however, had no time for the silent drama above.

He licked the grease off his lips, picked up his brush, and wrote furiously, his thoughts gushing out like a flood.

"Your servant, Zhou Wenyuan, humbly reports: I hope Your Majesty is in good health. Your servant, though far in Yuanzhou, thousands of miles from the capital, has a loyal heart that hangs upon Your Majesty daily.

Every time I think of Your Majesty's health, I sigh day and night, fearing that I cannot share your worries... (expressions of longing omitted)

Your servant arrived in Yuanzhou the day before. At first glance, the local officials seem law-abiding.

But upon careful observation, I find them veteran, deeply reserved, and highly scheming.

I suspect they are not as simple as they seem. I am determined to conceal myself, observe carefully, and uncover their evils...

At today's welcome banquet, I repeatedly tested them, pretending to play along.

Sure enough, they gradually shed their disguises and revealed their true colors! Their arrogance and high-handedness went far beyond what I expected!

In broad daylight, under the clear sky, at the banquet, they openly attempted to bribe me! Their intent is punishable, their actions despicable!

At that moment, I wanted to stand up and sternly rebuke them to uphold justice!

But on second thought, Your Majesty often teaches me 'one must endure small matters to avoid ruining grand plans.'

To gather solid evidence for future decisive action, I had to swallow my anger, pretend to comply, and accept the bribe...

Total amount of bribes: five hundred forty-six taels of silver."

Zhou Wenyuan wrote with a righteous face, as if the money in his bursting pouch was not wealth but burning evidence of crime.

"This illicit silver should, according to law, be sealed and immediately handed over to the state treasury.

However... I have a humble request: On my journey south, the road was long, and unforeseen incidents depleted my travel funds, nearly leaving me penniless.

After careful thought, to avoid becoming homeless and shaming the court, I humbly beg Your Majesty to let me temporarily use this sum to meet my urgent needs.

While treating it as an advance on my salary. After I return to the capital, I will report to the Ministry of Revenue and have the amount deducted from my salary over the years, without a word of complaint!"

He wrote with righteous boldness, as if his sacrifice was enormous. He took a sip of the milk tea Lü Rou had specially brewed.

"...I will spare no effort in handling Yuanzhou affairs, living up to Your Majesty's trust.

Emotion overwhelms me; I never cease longing for Your Majesty! Your servant Zhou Wenyuan, bows again in submission."

After finishing, Zhou Wenyuan blew on the ink to dry it, carefully sealed the letter, and handed it to Wufeng.

Wufeng took the report, vanished in a flash into the night.

Zhou Wenyuan clapped his hands, let out a satisfied burp, and happily prepared to wash up and sleep.