Chapter 2111: Chapter 2108: Serves Him Right to Be Angry

"Only those with high moral character can have it exclusively. I wonder if Official Hu received such an invitation."

"Hmph, I wouldn’t stoop to such places." Hu Hua detected Chu Heng’s insinuation of his lack of character, and his face turned green with anger as he flung his sleeve and left in shame.

Chu Heng merely took a sip of his tea with a silent smile, saying nothing.

However, a few officials he was familiar with, part of his newly developed connections, came over to console him, advising not to take Hu Hua’s words to heart as he was known to be petty and arguing with such a person was a waste of effort.

That was the gist of it.

Chu Heng naturally accepted their goodwill with a smile and handed out a few invitation cards to them.

The officials saw that the package was for a private room, priced at twenty taels per month but could accommodate four or five people, which when divided, amounted to four or five taels per person, not expensive at all.

Since they were part of Chu Heng’s network, they had to attend, even if just to show support.

They naturally thanked Chu Heng.

Chu Heng kindly reminded them, "Even though it’s from me, if you are not comfortable with bathing outside, there’s no need to insist on booking a private room. If you’d like to try, you are welcome anytime."

The officials were even more satisfied upon hearing this, at least they weren’t compelled to book a room just for appearances’ sake.

Chu Heng didn’t warn them that if they didn’t decide early, they might regret it, as he himself couldn’t predict what might happen the next day.

Early the next morning.

Since there was no court session today, Chu Heng left home a bit later.

Upon arriving at the yamen and scarcely starting his work, a guard appeared, summoning him to receive the Emperor.

Chu Heng now confirmed his suspicion: Emperor Xuanming had inquired about this bathhouse yesterday with an implied meaning, and unexpectedly, he intended to visit and try it out.

Having prepared beforehand, Chu Heng proceeded with neither arrogance nor inferiority.

He performed a bow before the Emperor, who remained unseen inside the carriage at the yamen’s gate.

"Minister Chu, rise. No need for formalities. Let us go and have a look at this bathhouse."

"Yes." Chu Heng stood, mounted a horse that had been prepared, swung onto its back, and led the way forward.

The news of Emperor Xuanming’s departure from the palace wasn’t widely announced.

But when pausing at the Ministry of War, summoning Chu Heng along the way, and with the Minister of War, who got wind of the developments late and chased after them, the word spread.

Ordinary citizens didn’t notice much, though.

There were quite a few guards around Emperor Xuanming, deterring anyone from approaching.

Upon reaching the bathhouse outside.

Chu Heng and Xiang City waited at the front, along with Elder Zhong and other officials who hurriedly arrived to kneel and greet.

"My dear ministers, I merely wish to experience this bathhouse and see this house made of colored glaze, no need for excessive ceremony, feel at ease," Emperor Xuanming clarified his purpose for the visit.

The other officials dared not object.

Emperor Xuanming walked at the forefront, and the attendants in the bathhouse, having been trained earlier, kept their composure upon seeing officials, refraining from looking up excessively.

Chu Heng summoned the Shopkeeper to lead the way and provide the introduction.

Zhang Yun had never anticipated that the first guest he’d host would be the Emperor himself. He first led the workers inside to kneel and salute.

Despite trying to remain calm, he was somewhat nervous, not daring to speak casually.

Hearing he would guide them, he then immediately proceeded up the stairs, introducing Emperor Xuanming to the layout of the entire bathhouse and the four types of private rooms available.

The bathhouse’s architectural design was unlike any other place.

The four sides were square, while the center was built with a round structure.

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