PROVOCATEUR, TRAITOR, AND CORRUPTOR 3

"Where is the Treasurer of Fan Wang Guo?" Zhu Su called.

The treasurer stepped forward, "I seek your audience, Your Highness."

"List the people who have become the victims of the flood. And, get information about the results of last year's tax collection. I won't take it, return it all to them."

"As you wish, Your Highness." The Treasurer bowed reverently.

"Your Highness... we will also donate to the victims!"

The officials shouted in unison. Their lord was so kind as to help victims of natural disasters, how could they be selfish and do nothing instead?

Zhu Su smiled. "All of you... are virtuous officials. You love the people very much, such a dedicated officials! I am so proud of you! Alright! Let us join hands to help those devastated people!"

***

Not only Zhu Su and the officials who donated their wealth. The noblemen also gave donation. For example, Zhu Youdun. And also Hu Nayin, who donated the luxury items at her residence.

"I have lived a dreadful life in the past. I really understand such kind of difficult life, moreover, they are more miserable than me," Hu Nayin said. "After all, I don't really need luxury items. I prefer a minimalist room," She smiled.

Zhu Su patted Hu Nayin on her shoulder. "Great, Nayin! Usually, the wives of noblemen won't like any idea of taking out their luxuriousness, and instead like to spend their money lavishly. You are really a woman with high-class attitude!"

Blushing, Hu Nayin bowed slightly. "I don't deserve that appreciation, Your Highness..."

"How about your womb? You are fine, aren't you?... Recently I am too busy and as the consequence, I often forget to pay attention to your condition..."

"It's okay, Your Highness. I fully understand, and I support you. You are a leader, the role model for all people, and thus, you should maintain your work attitude."

"I will, Nayin. But I still have to pay attention to you, right?"

"Ah... this baby is so kind. They never bothers their mother. I never feel dizzy or queasy like pregnant women usually feel. Instead, I feel so energetic, so enthusiastic. Don't worry about me, Your Highness."

"Wow, great! I'm glad to hear that!"

Perhaps, it's all because my love is so great for you, Your Highness...

Zhu Su smiled. He clasped the hands of Nayin tightly. Then, he pulled her into his embrace.

***

Such a big mistake Zhu Su made by assuming that his decision would solve the floor problem brilliantly and by then the people will trust in the government again. It seemingly has been a law of nature that to realize a noble goal then we are supposed to face the obstruction, the more noble the goal, the greater the disturbance that blocks it. However, because the strategy undertaken by Rumilie and his concon was very complex and almost undetectable, Zhu Su who often stayed in the palace did not realize what actually happened out there.

The treasurer of Zhou Fan Wang Guo was busy ordering his team to record flood victims and to calculate the revenue of Fan Wang Guo accurately.

"Work carefully! If I find even the slightest flaw, then you know the punishment you must endure!" The treasurer shouted in command, while his whole team worked very seriously, their eyes were fixed on paper and abacus.

Some officials were in charge of the disaster site. Working so seriously, they even walked while staring at the paper in their hands. They were so focused on their works that they almost hit someone.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?! Can't you use your eyes correctly?! Walk properly!" An official scolded.

Instead of being frightened, the person - who was evidently a man with a sweet and kind face - said gently. "Ah, the duty you have as the officials of the finance division seems to be so stressful..."

"Yeah, what else can we do? This is our duty as government officials." The official stepped forward, was about to continue his path. But he was blocked by the mysterious man.

"Hey, get out! We are in hurry!"

"My Honor Sirs, you are prestigious, distinguished, and respectable, but you must do such tiresome thing and just get very little pay. Why do you want to do this...?"

Right now all officials were staring at him curiously.

The man continued, "Being paid improperly, yet must do such burdening work... so pitiful. I'm pity for all of you!" He shook his head, appeared so sad. "That's why I am here. I want to help you..."

The officials' curiosity grew greater, "What do you mean? What kind of help do you want to give us?..."

"Ah... but... I am afraid I will bother you..."

An official in the back row replied. "Is there anyone bothered to be helped?"

The man grinned. "Ah... since you say so.. well then. I'll tell you..." He got closer to the officials, then whispering something at length to them.

***

"May I report, Sir. I have infiltrated into the Kaifeng Fan Wang Guo. They agree to do as you suggest."

The mysterious man was going down on one knee when he reported his leader, who was apparently Rumilie's senior in Dark Cult who helped taking action in the Yellow River Flood last time. He was sitting on a large chair shaping like a throne, and his sitting position style seemed as if he was an emperor. "I've told you Wan Ya, don't call me "Sir". Call me "Your Majesty" !" He said arrogantly.

Standing aside him, Rumilie commented, "Perhaps Wan Ya is calling me since it is me who suggests the strategy, Brother Huan Shikang?"

Huan Shikang glared. "You, too. Don't call me Brother, call me "Your Majesty" !"

"I will do it, after you have officially become the Emperor," Rumilie replied tonelessly. "At that time, I'll not only call you "Your Majesty", I'll also prostrate myself and touch the ground with my forehead to you... but the time hasn't come yet. Do you know why Zhu Yuanzhang could become Ming Emperor? He followed Zhu Sheng's advice "Not to haste to be a king" * ." His eyes narrowed. "And now you hustle to call yourself as Emperor, then you are closer to your failure."

"Huh! Actually, you just envy me!" Huan Shikang was sullen. "How about the help? They are willing to send it for us?"

Rumilie smiled cheerfully. "Certainly. The Yuan is never half-hearted when it comes to donation."

"Great! We have a large number of talented resources, yet we don't have funds to tamper the people. I am very glad, the Yuan is willing to give us funds in large amounts!"

Yuan will always be happy to do everything to bring down the Ming. The biggest vengeance that we - the Yuan - must do, is to destroy anyone who has destroyed us. To avenge our suffering!

***

* Actually the proverb consisted of three parts "Gao Zhu Qiang, Guang Ji Liang, Huan Cheng Wang", literally translated as "Building a Wall, Widening the Grain, and Do Not Haste to be a King."