Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 31 Winning Over

It must be said that Shi Zaixi, as Zhao Guangyi's confidant, was quite capable.

At least in front of eunuchs, whom most people despise, Shi Zaixi maintained a humble smile, which was as pleasant as a spring breeze.

In recent days, even though he did not mention Zhao Guangyi's name, he used his status as a member of the Imperial Guard and his considerable wealth to befriend many eunuchs.

Eunuchs love money, and few can resist it.

The Zhang Dejun in front of us should be no exception.

Moreover, compared to other eunuchs, Zhang Dejun was far more important to Shi Zaixi than they were.

The reason is simple: he had already heard that this eunuch named Zhang Dejun would soon be transferred to the Funing Palace to serve the current emperor personally.

The closer one is to the emperor, the more trusted one is, and the more information one can gather that is far beyond what others can provide.

Thinking of this, Shi Zaixi decided to increase the stakes again, and he said:

"If Zhang Zhongguan is willing to befriend me, I will prepare two identical gifts for him every month thereafter."

"this……"

Looking at the approximately 30 taels of silver in front of him, it would be a lie to say that Zhang Dejun wasn't tempted.

30 taels, or 30 strings of cash, was nearly ten years' worth of salary for these eunuchs!

Moreover, Shi Zaixi promised to give him 60 taels every month from now on!

This was arguably the largest sum of money Zhang Dejun had ever seen in his life. Even the jade pendant Zhao Dezhao had given him that day was far less impressive than this heavy wad of silver.

But the next moment, Zhang Dejun suppressed the burgeoning greed in his heart. He took a deep breath and slowly shook his head, saying:

"General, this silver... I dare not accept it."

Having spent so many years navigating the treacherous waters of the palace, Zhang Dejun naturally knew that some officials would befriend palace eunuchs in order to gather information.

But no one has ever been so generous, spending 30 taels of silver in one go!

Such a high price to pay suggests that what this "general" wants him to do will certainly not be easily accomplished.

The fact that he could resist temptation in the face of great profit and thus think calmly shows that this eunuch named Zhang Dejun was indeed extraordinary.

Shi Zaixi couldn't help but admire him, but then he offered an even bigger bargaining chip:

"I can give you twice the amount of the money I just promised. In addition, I can guarantee that you will be able to take up the position of Inner East Head Attendant in three years at most."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dejun's breath caught in his throat!

Inner East Head Attendant!

This is a position I wouldn't even dare to dream of!

Although it was only the eighth rank, it was the pinnacle that a palace attendant could achieve. Moreover, they could serve the emperor, convey imperial edicts, and receive memorials. The perks involved were beyond description!

Zhang Dejun swallowed hard, really wanting to agree regardless of everything.

At the same time, the memories of his time with Zhao Dezhao over the past few days and the enormous profits before him were intertwined in his mind.

"With me, there's no need for that."

"If you're not lying to me, I guarantee you'll be safe and sound!"

"Get up, and stop kneeling so easily!"

"I promised to reward you; how could I go back on my word?"

"Today we share hardship, tomorrow we will share wealth."

……

Zhang Dejun's eyes flickered. After a moment, he took a deep breath and stared intently at Shi Zaixi, his tone revealing no trace of his inner greed:

"Not enough."

"Hmm?" Seok Jae-hee frowned.

"You haven't given enough."

Zhang Dejun shook his head, his face solemn: "I don't care who's behind you, but since you're willing to offer such a large sum of money to have me do something, it must be extremely dangerous, possibly even costing you your head. So..."

"You need to pay more!"

"Interesting... I wonder how much Zhang Zhongguan wants?" Shi Zaixi raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Zhang Dejun with surprise.

It wasn't that I was surprised by the other party's greed, but rather by their judgment and calm mind.

This person will definitely play a crucial role in the future!

For some reason, Shi Zaixi came to this conclusion.

"Fifty taels of gold, as usual each month. In addition, you must prepare a grand mansion with at least five courtyards for someone in the inner city!"

Zhang Dejun made an outrageous demand.

Upon hearing this, Shi Zaixi immediately frowned.

50 taels of gold, or 400 strings of cash, is nothing compared to this five-courtyard house in the inner city, which costs a whopping 3000 strings of cash!

Your Majesty is indeed wealthy, but isn't this price a bit too high...?

Shi Zaixi hesitated for a moment, then slowly asked, "I can give you the money, but I wonder what Zhang Zhongguan can do for me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dejun grinned, a hint of the madness of a lowly person flashing in his eyes:

"I have been ordered to do so, but I will not refuse!"

"make a deal."

Shi Zaixi smiled slightly.

……

The next morning, when Zhao Dezhao set out again, the eunuch in charge of guiding him was no longer Zhang Dejun.

Upon learning that Zhang Dejun had been transferred to Funing Palace, Zhao Dezhao couldn't help but sigh.

He had just found a close and useful person by his side, and his father was already undermining him?

Oh well...

Find an opportunity to visit Father Emperor, and while you're at it, secretly hand over the reward you owed yesterday to Zhang Dejun.

To avoid being seen by the eunuch in charge of reading, Zhao Dezhao, after arriving at Minxue Hall, found an excuse to take Lu Duoxun directly to the quiet room on the top floor of the Imperial Library.

Inside the Imperial Library, these eunuchs, who had not been granted permission, were naturally not allowed to enter.

Because Zhao Dezhao studied under Zhao Pu, Zhao Kuangyin had long ago decreed that the Imperial Library should not impose restrictions on the eldest son of the emperor.

So this place became a private space for the two of them.

"Lu Shiyi, I have a very important matter at hand that I need your help with."

Once inside the quiet room, Zhao Dezhao went straight to the point.

Yesterday, due to the rush of time, many things could not be explained. The two of them only established a subordinate relationship before hurriedly leaving to their own ends.

"Your Highness has given the order; just give your command."

Seeing the solemn look on Zhao Dezhao's face, Lu Duoxun also spoke with a serious expression.

"I need money," Zhao Dezhao said, lowering his voice slightly. "I need a lot of money!"

Upon hearing this, Ludoson looked astonished.

He thought it was something serious, but how did it end up being related to money again?

"How much does Your Highness need? I have some left..." Lu Duoxun hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.

Since he had decided to place his bets on Zhao Dezhao, Lu Duoxun didn't mind adding a little more chips.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Dezhao shook his head and refused: "I don't want your money. Besides, you can't afford the money I want."

"I can't afford it?" Ludoson asked in astonishment. "How much does Your Highness actually need?"

"The more the better, ten thousand strings of cash, a hundred thousand strings of cash, a million strings of cash!"

Upon hearing this, Ludoson fell silent, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

A million strings of cash?

Your Highness is truly bold to speak like that!