Chapter Fifty Mutual Probing

  Beijing city was very busy early in the morning, from the moment the city gate opened, countless merchants and citizens were coming in and out. By noon, the number of people here gradually decreased, but at this time, a group of people came to the entrance of the capital.

  The Embroidered Uniform Guard held a very special position in the Great Ming, so when they saw the Embroidered Uniform Guard arriving, the soldiers guarding the city immediately drove away the surrounding civilians. But what made them curious was that every time it was the Embroidered Uniform Guard riding in on horseback, but this time they didn't do that. Instead, they all dismounted and walked down from their horses, and among this group of Embroidered Uniform Guards were two people, two old men wearing coarse clothes.

  The two old men each rode a donkey, walking slowly towards the city gate. The embroidered guards looked anxious, occasionally glancing at the city gate and then back at the old men, but they didn't dare say anything.

  The soldiers guarding the city were very curious when they saw the strange group of people, but they didn't dare to approach and ask questions. As for the Brocade Guards, they avoided them in fear, let alone going forward to ask for trouble.

  This group of people was naturally Xu Guangqi who had just entered Beijing. Without much delay, the destination of this group of people was the Forbidden City.

  "Your Majesty, Xu Guangqi has arrived and is waiting outside!" The little eunuch came to report while the Tianqi Emperor was having lunch. Thinking of the Tianqi Emperor's entrustment, Chen Hong hurriedly went to the side of the Tianqi Emperor.

  After hearing Chen Hong's words, Emperor Tianqi loudly said: "Quickly, quickly invite him in." As for this historical celebrity, he could finally see his true appearance. At this time, all the rumors and historical facts were false, and Emperor Tianqi was already very impatient.

  As the slow footsteps echoed, a figure appeared in the grand hall. When Emperor Tianqi saw Xu Guangqi, he was stunned. The person in front of him was vastly different from the Xu Guangqi he had imagined. In Emperor Tianqi's impression, Xu Guangqi should have been a refined scholar with a fan and a wide belt, or a Western-style suit with a small hat and a cane. But before him stood an old man in coarse clothing, slightly hunched over, with white hair, yet with a still dignified expression on his face. Emperor Tianqi had not expected that this ordinary-looking old farmer was the renowned Xu Guangqi, without any hint of grandeur, which left Emperor Tianqi stunned.

  "A humble subject, Xu Guangqi, pays homage to Your Majesty, long live, long live, forever and ever." Not until Xu Guangqi bowed to himself did the Tianqi Emperor slowly come back to his senses, gently helping him up and saying: "You have had a hard journey, please take a seat."

  After Xu Guangqi sat down, the Tianqi Emperor slowly said: "I have long wanted to gradually love you, today I finally got what I wished for, I am very happy."

  "A humble commoner dares not accept this." At that time, Xu Guangqi still did not know what the newly enthroned emperor wanted to do, and naturally would not treat him sincerely. As for the Ming dynasty emperors' stinginess and lack of kindness, Old Xu had a deep understanding of it!

  "Have you had your meal yet? It must have been a tiring journey." The Tianqi Emperor glanced at Xu Guangqi, who was covered in dust and knew that he had come directly to the palace because of the urgency of the summons, without even having time to drink water. After a moment's thought, the Tianqi Emperor turned his gaze to Chen Hong and said: "Go, order someone to prepare a meal and bring it here for Xu Guangqi."

  Before long, a simple meal was laid out on the table. Since it was prepared for Xu Guangqi, it didn't have as many dishes as Emperor Tianqi's meals.

  "I am ashamed and dare not accept." Xu Guangqi was also really hungry at this time, after being polite for a while, he didn't pretend anymore, but sat there starting to eat.

  Looking at Old Xu's good appetite, Tianqi Emperor was delighted in his heart, thinking that he could still work well for himself for a few more years.

  After Old Man Xu finished eating and drank another cup of clear tea, the Tianqi Emperor took him to the Imperial Study. Here, he wanted to find out if this person was as formidable as the legend said.

  "Xu Ai Qing, I have summoned you because there are some matters that I want to entrust to you. I don't know if you can handle them," Tianqi Emperor said slowly, smiling as he looked at Xu Guangqi.

  "What is it that Your Majesty wishes to entrust?" The Tianqi Emperor did not expect that Xu Guangqi not only did not kneel down to thank him, but also did not say "I will do my best to serve the country" and instead came up with this sentence. After being slightly stunned for a moment, the Tianqi Emperor was overjoyed. He had always believed in Wei Xiaobao's point of view that capable people mostly cannot speak, and those who can speak are mostly superficial. Xu Guangqi asked like this, looking like a practical person.

  When the Tianqi Emperor observed Xu Guangqi, Xu Guangqi also observed this new master. He too had once been full of passion and enthusiasm, but after so many years of grinding away, this old man was already exhausted. This made him more and more cautious, or you could say he was walking on thin ice. At his advanced age, if it weren't for the wise ruler, he only hoped to be able to live out a few more peaceful years.

  "What do you think of the current situation?" Tianqi Emperor looked at Xu Guangqi seriously, this was his test for him. As the saying goes, if one does not plan for the ages, he cannot plan for a single moment; if one does not plan for the whole situation, he cannot plan for a single region. The Tianqi Emperor wanted to see what kind of views this old Xu had, and compared to Yuan Chonghuan, the Tianqi Emperor was even more looking forward to his performance.

  "The sun sets on the last day, and the great hall will collapse." At this time, Xu Guangqi also wanted to make a probe to Emperor Tianqi, so he boldly spoke out his inner words. If Emperor Tianqi could clearly recognize the problems of the Ming Dynasty, he would be willing to do something with a true heart. If not, then it's just right to use this sentence to infuriate Emperor Tianqi and drive him back home.

  After hearing Xu Guangqi's words, the Tianqi Emperor was overjoyed in his heart. This old Xu is really good, not only can he clearly recognize the situation of the great Ming dynasty, but also knows how to test himself. The Tianqi Emperor smiled and said lightly: "This is a word of strategy for the country, I'm afraid there are not many people on the court who have your insight. I don't know what you think can save the Great Ming Dynasty from collapse?"

  At this time, Xu Guangqi's heart was already filled with great joy. This emperor was truly a wise and enlightened ruler. With his talent and ability to meet such an intelligent leader, he could finally display his ambitions. After calming down his emotions, he excitedly said: "If the Great Ming wants to revive at this moment, there is only one way, that is to change the law."

  "Is that so! The reform, Zhang Juzheng's new policy back then, brought a glimmer of hope to the Great Ming, but ultimately ended in personal death and political demise. Do you know why, my dear?" Emperor Tianqi also had a lot on his mind at this time. Reform, this word has appeared countless times throughout history, but how many times was it actually successful?

  Chapter 3 is here! Please vote for me!