Chapter 120: The Skill of "Gauging the Imperial Mind"

Zhu Hao found Wei Xiaobao’s reaction amusing because he had originally intended to groom Wei as his chief of intelligence. Whether it was the Jinyiwei, the Eastern Depot, or the newly established Central Intelligence Bureau, Zhu Hao planned to place them all under Wei Xiaobao’s command in the future. That this future spymaster of the Great Ming was terrified of the Jinyiwei’s imperial prison was simply comical.

In reality, Wei Xiaobao’s behavior was quite natural. Before one has achieved greatness, it is impossible to know what one will become. Zhu Hao had a vision for every step and could foresee the future, but Wei Xiaobao could not, making his reaction entirely understandable.

Watching Wei Xiaobao repeatedly plead, "Your Highness, this servant dares not! This servant will never dare again! Please, I beg you, do not send me to the Jinyiwei prison!" and seeing him so terrified that he was barely coherent, Zhu Hao felt both vexed and amused. "Enough! Stop spouting nonsense in front of me. Go and have Qin Shun come in to see me at once! If you babble again, I will have you sent to that prison right now!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Xiaobao bolted out with such startling speed that Zhu Hao could not help but click his tongue in surprise. Moments later, Wei returned with Qin Hui. Observing him, Zhu Hao noted that Qin seemed thinner than when they had first met, a clear result of their recent arduous journey.

Skipping pleasantries about his health, Zhu Hao went straight to the point. "Qin Shun, Xiao Bao said you had something to discuss with me. Tell me, what is it?"

Qin Hui pondered for a moment before asking, "Your Highness, are you intending to use Li Shoujun to break the deadlock in Zhejiang?"

Zhu Hao was not surprised that Qin Hui, with his talent for "divining the master's intent," had deduced his thoughts. Since he had no intention of hiding it, he nodded slightly. "I do indeed have that intention. Do you have a different opinion?"

Qin Hui remained silent for a long time. Zhu Hao thought to himself, *Damn it, he’s trying to read my mind again! I should try cursing him internally and see if he can guess that!* It was a bit of a perverse experiment.

Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. Qin Hui seemed to notice nothing unusual. After a while, he spoke slowly, "Your Highness, this Li Shoujun is not as simple as he appears. If you intend to use him, you must be cautious to prevent him from slipping out of your control."

"Qin Shun," Zhu Hao asked urgently, "do you know something? Have you heard rumors, or perhaps encountered him before? Tell me the truth!"

Qin Hui quickly explained, "Your Highness, I have never had any contact with the Provincial Administration Commissioner before, nor have I heard any specific ill-talk about him. However, having followed as part of your retinue today, I have observed him myself and feel he is not particularly reliable."

Zhu Hao’s heart eased slightly. "Do you have any basis for this, or have you discovered something specific?"

Qin Hui lowered his head, scratching it in embarrassment. "I have no concrete evidence, Your Highness. It is merely a gut feeling. I believe it would be best if you could bring him under control immediately."

Had anyone else said this, Zhu Hao would have reprimanded them. But coming from Qin Hui, it carried weight. While his talent did not explicitly state it only worked on him, it implied Qin could discern the intentions of those of higher status, and Li Shoujun fell into that category. Yet, Qin’s suggestion to imprison an official of the second rank raised concerns about his other talent, "Unjust Imprisonment." Zhu Hao was torn, unable to determine which skill was currently active.

Ultimately, Zhu Hao decided against it, reasoning that imprisoning a high-ranking official without cause would cause panic among the officials in Zhejiang. Nevertheless, he remained on guard.

"Qin Shun, I have noted your words," Zhu Hao said, looking at the seemingly contrite man. "In the future, if you find anything amiss with those around me, report it immediately—no proof required. You may leave."

As Qin Hui withdrew, Zhu Hao mused that if Qin truly could divine the intentions of multiple people, having him around would be like having a prophet by his side.

Outside, Wei Xiaobao curled his lip in disdain. "That scholar, has he read himself silly? He was so frantic to see you, only to spout baseless nonsense. I’m not running errands for him again." Wei was merely trying to deflect any potential blame from himself.

Zhu Hao smiled. "Don't grumble, Xiao Bao. Some people are born with a gift for avoiding misfortune. His intuition may not be wrong. I am new here and lacked people, so I was perhaps too trusting of Li Shoujun." He paused before adding, "Starting tomorrow, stop following me. Go and expand the influence of the Intelligence Bureau. Investigate the records and reputations of all officials in Zhejiang. Find out who is worth using."

"As you command, Your Highness!" Wei promised.

"And one more thing," Zhu Hao continued, "from tomorrow, have Qin Shun follow me instead. He knows the situation in Zhejiang, and I have use for him."

Wei Xiaobao bowed and retreated, a look of desolation in his eyes. Zhu Hao watched him go, thinking, *I only have two men, and they are already competing for favor. I wonder if they will fight when my retinue grows?* He sighed, realizing that if they did, it might actually make them easier to manage.

Feeling exhausted, Zhu Hao retired for the night. Having finally reached Hangzhou, he intended to rest and prepare to face the "ghosts and monsters" among the Zhejiang officials the following day.

The next morning, refreshed, Zhu Hao took Qin Hui to the Provincial Administration Office. However, they were blocked at the entrance by two yamen runners who barked, "Are you blind? This is the Provincial Administration Office, not a vegetable market! No loiterers allowed!"

Zhu Hao, dressed in plain clothes without his imperial retinue, realized he had only himself to blame for the lack of recognition. Qin Hui, however, was indignant. "This is the Imperial Envoy, Prince Xin! Inform your Commissioner to come out and welcome him at once!"