amaotonovel Chapter 861: Continue to go through fire and water, Your Majesty
Chapter 861: Continue to go through fire and water, Your Majesty
The cold wind blew wildly on the official road outside Xianyang City, making a whimpering sound.
Lin Dafu's once wealthy face is now just a layer of skin covering bones, but his eyes still flash a faint light in his deep eye sockets.
"Old Qi..." Lin Dafu turned his head with difficulty, and took a long breath after speaking each word.
Mr. Qi held Lin Dafu's hand, which was icy cold, as if he was holding a piece of ice.
"Yes, I am." He suppressed the bitterness in his eyes, his voice trembling slightly.
Lin Dafu shook his head slightly and struggled to sit up.
Seeing this, Mr. Qi hurriedly helped him up and placed a few soft pillows behind him.
"What message do you want to bring? To His Majesty?" Lin Dafu's voice gradually became smaller, with a hint of expectation and a bit of helplessness.
He looked at Mr. Qi with some envy, his cloudy eyes full of longing, "Old Qi, I really envy you for having the chance to see His Majesty again."
Memories flooded into his heart like a tide, and the past years emerged in his mind one by one.
Once upon a time, he was in charge of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce and was full of vigor and vitality.
At that time, there were shops of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce everywhere in the streets and alleys of the Tang Dynasty.
From silk and tea to porcelain and jewelry, from daily necessities to rare curiosities, the goods of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce have penetrated almost every corner of the lives of the people of the Tang Dynasty.
He worked hand in hand with His Majesty to provide advice for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. The Chamber of Commerce's business was booming, and the economy of the Tang Dynasty also flourished thanks to their efforts.
"If you see His Majesty, please tell him a message for me. I, though stingy, will go through fire and water for him in my next life."
Lin Dafu clutched Mr. Qi's hand tightly, as if grasping at his last straw. "Go through fire and water, Old Qi. You...you help me talk to His Majesty. Talk to His Majesty properly."
"Tell me more..."
Mr. Qi's throat choked with sobs and he nodded heavily, "Yes, I will talk to His Majesty for you."
"Go to sleep, have a good sleep. It's been so long, and you're tired."
He patted Lin Dafu's hand gently, as if coaxing a child to sleep.
"Okay, Lao Qi, I'll get some sleep then." Lin Dafu slowly closed his eyes. "His Majesty has reserved that spot for me. You'll bury me there. Don't forget."
The sound became softer and softer, until it was almost inaudible.
Mr. Qi looked at Lin Dafu's breathing which gradually became steady, and felt mixed emotions.
Outside the window, the night was deep, and the bright moon hung high in the sky, casting a cool light. He looked at the moon, his mind full of thoughts.
Once upon a time, these old ministers of Qianwu worked tirelessly for the country and people of the Tang Dynasty.
Now, things have changed and his former colleagues have left one by one, leaving him alone to face this complicated situation.
Life has been difficult these years, and he often feels exhausted and can't see the direction of the future.
The thought that he would see His Majesty again ignited a glimmer of hope in his heart.
After an unknown amount of time, a slight sound suddenly came from the house.
Mr. Qi turned around hurriedly and saw Lin Dafu's hands hanging limply on the side of the bed, his face peaceful, as if he was just asleep.
Mr. Qi quickly walked to the bedside, reached out to check his breath, and tears instantly blurred his eyes.
"Fatty, sometimes I really envy you."
Mr. Qi sat by the bed, murmured softly, "Ah, but you're not wrong. Sometimes, life is hard and there's no hope. You all just walked away, leaving me with this mess. But now there's hope."
"If we keep waiting, we can wait for His Majesty, wait for an old acquaintance, stingy fat man."
"I will make your funeral ceremonies grand and glorious. You've kept a low profile your entire life, so leave your affairs to me, your brother."
Early the next morning, Xianyang City was shrouded in solemnity.
In front of Lin Dafu's mourning hall, white banners fluttered in the wind and funeral music sounded low and sobbing.
Merchants who came from all directions, dressed in plain clothes and with sad expressions, lined up in a long queue, slowly walked into the mourning hall, and bowed to Lin Dafu's coffin.
The funeral procession was so huge that it seemed as if there was no end in sight.
Walking in front was a hearse pulled by eight white horses. The hearse was decorated solemnly and was filled with flowers and offerings.
Following behind were countless merchants and servants in mourning clothes, carrying various funerary objects such as paper people and horses, mountains of gold and silver, and slowly moving forward.
When Empress Wu Zetian learned of this, she immediately decided to lead all the civil and military officials to Xianyang overnight. Inside the palace, lights were bright and there was a clamor of carriages and horses.
Wu Zetian was dressed in plain clothes and had a solemn expression. Surrounded by a group of ministers, she boarded the train and sped towards Xianyang.
Along the way, many civil and military officials were filled with doubts. They didn't understand why the death of a businessman would make His Majesty attach so much importance to it that he had to go in person to express condolences.
When Wu Zetian arrived in Xianyang, Lin Dafu's funeral procession was halfway there.
When the people heard that Her Majesty had arrived, they flocked to the streets, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Queen. At the same time, they were also curious about what kind of businessman could have such a grand display.
Many people don’t know who the person who was attending the funeral was. They only know that his name was Lin Dafu and he was a businessman.
They were whispering and talking to each other, their faces full of surprise and confusion.
At this time, an insider came forward to explain that this Lin Dafu was the president of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce at that time.
Everyone suddenly understood and showed admiration on their faces.
It turns out that he is the president of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce, which is not surprising.
This was the man who was in charge of the entire economy of the Tang Dynasty and was the right-hand man of Emperor Qianwu!
Although the president's reputation is not well-known, the name of Qianyu Chamber of Commerce is well-known. Who hasn't used Qianyu Chamber of Commerce's products?
However, even so, it seems that Your Majesty does not need to come here in person with all the civil and military officials, right?
Even Mr. Qi found it strange at first. Wu Zhao was not a kind person, and she had no special communication with Lin Dafu.
But after just a quick thought, Mr. Qi understood Wu Zhao's intention.
First, the situation in the court is unstable now, and various forces are ready to make moves. She needs the support of these old ministers of Qianwu.
Although Lin Dafu has passed away, his influence in the business community and among veteran ministers still exists. Personal condolences can demonstrate Your Majesty's attention to the veteran ministers and thus win their loyalty.
As for the second point, merchants occupy an important position in the economy of the Tang Dynasty, and it is crucial to win the hearts of merchants all over the world.
For a businessman to be able to receive personal condolences from the emperor after his death, there is nothing more encouraging than this.
This undoubtedly shows merchants all over the world that as long as they contribute to the Tang Dynasty, His Majesty will not forget them, and it can also inspire more merchants to actively contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Wu Zetian solemnly presented a wreath and bowed deeply three times.
She looked at Lin Dafu's portrait, and a complicated look flashed in her eyes.
Then, she turned to face the crowd and said in a firm and powerful voice, "President Lin has made outstanding contributions to the economic prosperity of the Tang Dynasty throughout his life. His achievements will be recorded in history forever."
"Today, I have come here in person to offer condolences, to let the world know that I will never forget those who have made contributions!"
Wu Zetian's words stirred up a thousand waves in everyone's hearts.
After hearing this, the businessmen were deeply moved and inspired, feeling that their efforts were recognized.
After hearing this, the old ministers nodded secretly, expressing their approval of Your Majesty's move.
Mr. Qi stood aside, watching all this, feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.
He knew that if Lin Dafu knew about this in the afterlife, he would definitely feel gratified to see that the empress attached so much importance to him and that his afterlife would be so glorious.