Chapter 118: The Education Commissioner and the Assistant Education Commissioner

Zhu Hao walked toward the Chunjiang Restaurant with a calm and composed demeanor. In stark contrast to his ease, Cheng Baiwan, who had been all smiles just a moment ago, looked incredibly awkward after hearing Zhu Hao’s words, standing rooted to the spot, at a loss for what to do.

Cheng Baiwan eventually cast a desperate look toward the Left Administration Commissioner, Xiao Jingao. Seeing the plea for help, Xiao Jingao glared at him with visible dissatisfaction, clearly displeased with Cheng’s performance.

Nevertheless, Xiao Jingao spoke up on his behalf. "Your Highness, pray consider that Councilor Cheng is merely acting out of kindness. This official knows you are a man of integrity, but since this is your first time in Zhejiang, having you pay for your own meal would surely make the officials of this province look small. If word of this were to reach the capital, we would have no face left to show anyone!"

Zhu Hao thought to himself, "One has already jumped out so quickly. Judging by the way you and Cheng were exchanging glances earlier, you are definitely no good! I would like to see just how many more dead fish and rotten shrimps will emerge today."

With this in mind, Zhu Hao said sternly, "Commissioner Xiao, I understand your meaning, but my mind is made up. There is no need for you to persuade me further. I can certainly afford the cost of a meal! If you insist on pressing the matter, I shall return to my residence now, and we shall dine another day."

Realizing he could push no further, Xiao Jingao could only rub his hands together, offering an awkward smile, and fell silent. Zhu Hao had expected a second or third person to step forward, but he realized he had underestimated the patience of these old foxes in the bureaucracy. After Xiao Jingao’s retreat, no one else dared speak up for Cheng Baiwan. Zhu Hao realized that these seasoned bureaucrats were no easier to handle than the women in the imperial palace.

In truth, Zhu Hao had overlooked one thing: since the highest administrative official of the province, Xiao Jingao, had been sternly rebuffed, none of the lesser officials dared to intervene.

Seeing that no one else would speak for Cheng, Zhu Hao turned and entered the Chunjiang Restaurant. He took the head seat at the main table and called out, "Gentlemen, please come in and take your seats! Do not stand outside. My treat does not come with standing room!"

Zhu Hao then beckoned to Cheng Baiwan, who had followed him inside. "Manager Cheng, have the dishes served! Include your local Jiangnan specialties and the signature dishes of your restaurant—one of each for every table. As for the rest, use your own judgment."

After giving these instructions, Zhu Hao stopped paying attention to Cheng and turned to chat with the two Administration Commissioners, Xiao Jingao and Li Shoujun, who had taken their seats beside him. Having already displeased Xiao Jingao, Cheng Baiwan dared not defy Zhu Hao in the slightest. He bowed and scraped, promising to carry out the orders immediately before rushing off to assist the staff personally.

As the wealthiest man in Zhejiang, Cheng had not done such menial work in ages. However, in the presence of Prince Xin—as Zhu Hao was titled—he dared not act arrogantly. He was terrified of offending this "living ancestor," fearing that if he failed to satisfy him, his days of prosperity would come to a swift end. It was this fear that kept him scurrying back and forth, desperate to please.

Zhu Hao observed all of this, but said nothing. He knew that even if Cheng’s son, Cheng Sanjin, had truly cheated in the imperial examinations, it would have been orchestrated by the very officials sitting in this room. Therefore, his focus remained entirely on observing the Zhejiang officials.

About a quarter of an hour after Zhu Hao took his seat, dozens of Jiangnan delicacies were laid out on the tables. Zhu Hao picked up his chopsticks first, and as he began to eat, the officials followed suit, sampling the food with great caution.

Zhu Hao nodded repeatedly, praising the food as even better than what the imperial chefs in the capital could prepare. Yet, unlike Zhu Hao, who ate with gusto, the officials found the food flavorless. They were deeply unsettled by his refusal to let Cheng Baiwan foot the bill. They could not fathom his true intentions—was this merely a show of modesty, or was he preparing to strike a lethal blow against the Zhejiang bureaucracy? In a wealthy province like this, none of these officials had clean hands. If Zhu Hao intended a purge, they would not only lose their positions but likely their lives as well. With such anxieties, they had no appetite for the fine cuisine.

After several rounds of drinks, it was time for the officials to toast the Prince. At a signal from the two Commissioners, Cai Xianchen, the Education Commissioner of Zhejiang, rose and held up his cup. "Your Highness, I am Cai Xianchen, the Education Commissioner. I know you have come for the sake of the imperial examinations. As the official responsible, I am deeply ashamed that my negligence has forced you to travel thousands of miles. You must drink this cup, Your Highness, otherwise, it would mean you do not forgive me!"

The Education Commissioner was the provincial-level official responsible for overseeing schools and selecting candidates for the examinations. Zhu Hao glanced at him and immediately felt a sense of dislike. Cai looked like a scholar, but his eyes were shifty and his demeanor was cowardly. Zhu Hao sighed inwardly, "It is no wonder there are irregularities in the examinations if a man like this is in charge."

Zhu Hao replied, "Commissioner Cai, there is no rush to drink. You say your work has been negligent, leading to my arrival. Tell me, what exactly are these failures? Once you have explained them, I will decide whether or not to drink this toast."

Cai had intended only a polite formality and was stunned by the directness of the question. He stood there, mouth agape, unable to utter a sound.

Seeing this, Zhu Hao’s expression turned icy. He slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Commissioner Cai, I asked you a question! Why do you not answer? Is it because you were involved in the cheating, or are you the mastermind behind it?"

Cai, terrified by the sudden change in temperament, collapsed to his knees, stammering incoherently.

Just then, a young man in his twenties from another table stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highness, please quell your wrath. The Commissioner is not a heavy drinker and is likely intoxicated. If you have any questions, please ask me; I can answer on his behalf."

Zhu Hao looked at the young man. He was handsome, his eyes were sharp, and he showed no fear. Zhu Hao sensed this was someone of substance. However, annoyed by the interruption, Zhu Hao raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "Who are you? How can you speak for the Commissioner? And why did you speak without being summoned? Do you have no sense of decorum?"

The man remained unfazed and bowed again. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I am Hong Chengchou, the Assistant Education Commissioner of Zhejiang. Seeing the Commissioner unable to respond, I stepped forward to assist. I beg your pardon for the intrusion."

As the Assistant Education Commissioner was indeed the deputy, it was reasonable for him to step in. Zhu Hao did not press the matter, but he was startled by the name. This man was far too famous.

Hong Chengchou would later rise to become the Viceroy of the Three Frontiers and eventually the Viceroy of Jiliao. After the Battle of Songjin, he would surrender to the Qing Dynasty and become a key strategist for Hong Taiji. According to unofficial records, his surrender was secured after Hong Taiji sent his own consort to serve Hong for a night—though regardless of the truth of such tales, that was a matter for the future.