Chapter 80: Only greed cannot be extinguished...

Seeing that he really couldn't stand the teasing, Zhao Changning let him go to avoid damaging his health.

Zhou Min really fled, fearing that Zhao Changning would get close to him.

Yunsheng looked at Zhou Min's back, his face wrinkled. "Aunt, are we just going to let Lord Zhou go?"

He followed his aunt every day and knew her thoughts best. He was shocked at first, but later he felt that it was okay and even thought that it was nothing for his aunt to sit in that position.

Sometimes he would serve the emperor in court. When he stood behind the emperor, he would see his aunt standing among a large group of men, standing out like a crane among chickens. He felt that her appearance was particularly eye-catching and comforting.

Zhao Changning nodded, feeling a little sorry.

"We need a replacement. He hasn't done anything truly sinister. These old men in the cabinet don't have many good days left."

Yunsheng sighed, "Auntie, will this be difficult?"

He felt bad after he finished speaking. "It's not that you can't fight them, it's just that the senior officials in the cabinet are too powerful. Many people in the court are their students. Even the emperor is unwilling to step forward. Doing this will definitely bring you a lot of criticism."

Zhao Changning sneered. A group of people bound by interests, banding together just for the sake of a name, when the strong wind blows, how many of them will be able to stand still?

She turned around and looked at Yunsheng, and suddenly realized that this boy had grown a lot and could actually see many problems.

"As long as we are human, we will have problems. When we have problems, we can solve them. Yunsheng, we are not afraid of losing, so don't be afraid. As time goes by, the road may become clear."

Yunsheng pursed his lips and smiled sweetly, "Aunt, I support you in everything you do."

Zhao Changning patted his head with relief.

In early November, the first snow fell in Yujing. The heavy snow fell from the sky and soon accumulated into a thin layer on the roof.

Zhao Changning lifted the car curtain and looked at the snowflakes falling, stunned for a moment.

When they arrived at Shui'er Lane, Zhou Mi had indeed come in and was waiting there, wearing a crane cloak, with some white snow falling on his shoulders.

"I heard from Mingxuan that his sister was sent to you?" He was carrying a lot of bags in his hands and said with a smile: "I bought some things for her while I was there. His sister is also my sister."

Zhao Changning smiled and said, "She and Granny Xu must have gone out to buy groceries and will be back soon. Are you staying at the post station when you return to Yujing?"

Zhou Mi nodded, "Yes, but I can't stay long. I can't have too much official business piled up. I have to go back as soon as possible."

Zhao Changning invited the person into the house and got straight to business without any further ado.

"I've already sent a letter to the female official in Jiangxi. You just need to ship over the silk and porcelain that can be shipped out to sea. You may have to send someone to monitor the accounts yourself."

After all, she was being watched closely and couldn't go too far.

Zhou Mi breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you very much. If we don't go through the Maritime Customs, even if those things are shipped out to sea, the extra money won't go into the treasury. At least it can be an extra income."

Zhao Changning shook his head gently. "No need to thank me. I have my own reasons. Mr. Zhou, do you have any evidence regarding the land grab?"

This is not just a casual remark. Many people who enclose land register the land under other people's names. The tenants cannot see the real owners, and it takes a lot of effort to find out.

After all, there is no name written on the land by the roadside, so who knows whose land it is.

"What?" Zhou Mi didn't understand for a moment. When he realized what was going on, he said in surprise, "Nu Shu Ling, don't be like that kid Ming Xuan. You saw what happened to him. If you hadn't helped, he would have nearly lost his life. You're a favorite of the Emperor now, so there's really no need to take such a risk."

"Don't worry, Lord Zhou. I'm a favorite of the Emperor," Zhao Changning said with a frank smile, hinting, "of course I'm following the Emperor's orders. Lord Zhou, the Emperor is not the late Emperor. He's still young and hates being overshadowed."

Zhou Mi was still hesitant. Although a new emperor appoints new ministers, this was too risky.

"Nu Shu Ling, there is indeed evidence, but it's all with Ming Xuan." He sighed, "I sorted out some of these things, but most of them were made by him. At that time, he said that he was about to die, and if he could deliver these things to the emperor before he died, it would be considered a merit. But in the end, he didn't die, so the matter was shelved..."

Zhao Changning was still confused and felt it was too unbelievable.

"I've been looking around these past couple of days. The Ministry of Works' Tuntian Qingli Division is responsible for managing land measurements. Furthermore, the Censors of the Metropolitan Censorate also inspect local taxes, indirectly overseeing the accuracy of land measurements. Add to that the fact that you're the Governor-General who controls the land registers, and the local governments themselves, who may have their own people organizing land measurements. With so many people involved, wouldn't they notice any problems?"

What are these officials doing?

Zhou Mi smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Nu Shu Ling, you haven't been to the local areas much, so you don't know how they operate. Enclosing land isn't just about enclosing land. There are many tricks involved in land measurement. Even if each plot of land is undervalued by three points, it still adds up to a huge amount. Moreover, I've also looked through the land measurement records over the past two years and found that there are a full six million hectares less than when the previous emperor ascended the throne. Where did all this land go? Was it really abandoned by natural disasters? Is there really no one to cultivate it?"

Zhao Changning remained silent. She really only knew the surface. It seemed that things were much more serious than she thought.

Even without those greedy eunuchs like Hu Gou'er, there would still be greedy officials. These scholars are even more insidious and vicious than the eunuchs.

As expected, what the late emperor said was right. The only thing that cannot be eradicated in this world is greed.

Zhou Mi sighed, "It's not that all those officials are corrupt, but they're definitely not the ones who actually get things done. Some are afraid of power, like me, afraid to offend. Some just go with the flow. Worse still, they'd rather be paid a little silver than even look at the fields. Nv Shu Ling, this is a thankless task. Even Ming Xuan doesn't dare to expose it for the time being. You mustn't be confused."

Only then did Zhao Changning begin to understand why Mingxuan was so determined, even determined to die. It seemed that this matter really touched the pockets of those people, and it must have been not just for the weaving bureau that they forced him to leave.

She said in a clear voice: "You have a family, a career, a wife, and children, and you have many weaknesses, but I don't. I am not afraid of anything. I just want to share the emperor's worries. Lord Zhou, this matter must be done by me."

She thought very clearly that if she wanted power, she couldn't want anything else. If she was afraid, she would never have joined the game in the first place.

The emperor's subtle hints were all telling her that he wanted to overthrow the cabinet.

The emperor is really alike to the previous emperor. He is scheming and good at manipulating power. The previous emperor would sometimes speak frankly, but the emperor never does that.

Zhou Mi was stunned when he heard this, and looked at Zhao Changning with eyes full of surprise, admiration, and regret.

"No wonder Mingxuan praised you so highly that you were the best in the world. But judging from what I've seen today, I was too timid and underestimated you."

Zhao Changning shook his head. "Mr. Zhou's sincere service to the people is already far superior."

She is not doing this for nothing, she has her own goals and interests, she just says it nicely.

While they were talking, Granny Xu and Li Yunqiu came back. The old and the young bought a lot of things.

When Li Yunqiu saw a stranger in the room, he quickly hid behind Zhao Changning, only looking at him with his big eyes.

Zhao Changning pulled her out with a smile, "This is your brother's friend. Don't be afraid, he's a good person. He even bought you a lot of delicious food."

Before going to the kitchen, Granny Xu turned around and went into the room to get two letters. "Mingxuan sent them, young lady. I can't read either. This must be for you. You haven't come back yet, and I don't know how to give it to you."

Zhao Changning laughed. Since the letter was sent to Shuier Lane, it must not be an urgent matter.

Seeing Zhou Mi's eager eyes, she opened the letter and read it. She laughed as she read. It turned out that he was the third place winner in the imperial examination. His state after taking office was completely different from when he was dismissed. She felt quite proud.

Zhou Mi asked curiously, "Miss Changning, what did Mingxuan say? Fujian isn't a good place either. It's poor, with bad mountains and rivers, and countless unruly people. I wonder if he has established himself now?"

Zhao Changning handed over the letter he had read. "Not only did they gain a firm foothold, they also wiped out two gangs of bandits and recruited many mountain people to open up wasteland. It seems that the power of this red cannon is indeed formidable."

She thought to herself, maybe when the emperor really makes money, he can really improve the bird gun, and then it won't be so difficult to suppress the bandits.

Zhou Mi nodded repeatedly after reading this. "That's good, that's good. He always writes me a few simple sentences in his letters. This kid really is..."

The winter was long, with many days of ice and snow. The imperial city was always covered by one blanket of white snow after another, leaving only a touch of white between heaven and earth. People in the palaces rarely went out, as they all stayed indoors to keep warm.

Anyi came back from outside, shivering from the cold. He rubbed his hands and ran to the stove, "Aunt, the Queen wants you to come over."

Zhao Changning nodded, put down the pen in his hand, looked up at the lattice window with a crack, and wondered when the snow had stopped.

The selection has passed the preliminary round, and all girls aged thirteen to sixteen in all places have been registered. After review and screening by officials, the selected candidates have arrived in Yujing one after another. They still have to be verified by the palace, and another batch will be eliminated.

The Queen invited her to go with her to see the newcomers.

In this icy and snowy weather, the girls stood upright in the yard. Many female officials were surrounding them, checking their shoulder width, waist circumference, hand and foot size, etc. Those who did not meet the requirements would be eliminated. The requirements were extremely strict.

The Queen and Zhao Changning came hand in hand. "The Emperor has given me full authority for this selection. As the Queen, I must do my best to select some stunning beauties to expand the royal family."

Zhao Changning chuckled. The Queen seemed to have figured things out. "Your Majesty is truly a model for the nation. If the Emperor knew, he would surely be delighted."

She glanced at the concubines. These were seventy outstanding candidates selected from five thousand people. They were truly the best of the best. Even if they passed the level of female officials, they still had to learn the etiquette of the palace. If they made any mistakes, they would be eliminated.

Of these seventy people, less than half, or even fewer, were able to stay.

"Changning, look at that..." The Queen looked at one of the concubines and pursed her lips. "She is truly a beauty, I feel pity for her. I have decided to keep her even if she doesn't match the criteria."

Zhao Changning looked over and saw that she really stood out from the crowd. They were wearing the same light blue winter clothes, but she looked so frail. They had the same hair bun, but she looked more charming than the others. She had an oval face, willow-shaped eyebrows, and lips as red as cinnabar. She wore no makeup, and her beauty was reflected against the white snow and red plum blossoms. She was truly a beauty.

"Your Majesty's broad mind is a blessing to the harem."

When the two of them walked to the ceremonial gate, they unexpectedly ran into Shang Meir.

Shang Meir is now much more stable. When she sees the queen, she kneels down and salutes obediently.

The Queen smiled brightly, "Sister is here? Are you coming to see the new sisters?"

The smile on Shang Meir's face was forced, and she left without further greeting.

The queen's eyes sparkled, and she was full of energy and vigor. She smiled at Zhao Changning and said, "Next year's harem will definitely be lively, Changning."

Zhao Changning deeply agreed with this.

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the sun rarely came out. The sky was clear and azure. Golden light spread along the dark tiles, slowly climbed up the snow-covered walls, and flowed like golden water.

After drinking the Laba porridge, Zhao Changning sat on a recliner holding Xiaobai and basking in the sun. He could hear the sound of Xiaoshun and the others patting the quilt. Although the cold wind was blowing, he felt very comfortable under the warm sun.

Yunsheng suddenly ran in hurriedly, "Auntie, Auntie..."

Xiao Shun tutted, "Why are you still so reckless? Slow down, be careful not to fall."

Zhao Changning opened his eyes while holding the cat and looked at Yunsheng, "Come into the house and talk."

Yunsheng followed his aunt into the house and said excitedly, "Aunt, the letters from Lord Zhou and Lord Ming have arrived at Shui'er Lane."

Zhao Changning simply nodded, his expression showing no apparent change.

Yunsheng touched his head in disappointment, "Aunt, am I being stupid again? You don't look happy at all."

Zhao Changning shook his head. "I've already told you not to show your emotions. Besides, it's just a letter. It's far from what we want."

Yunsheng nodded sensibly.

Seeing that he looked serious, Zhao Changning thought of assigning him a task, so that he could gain some experience. He thought that he would not be able to achieve anything if he followed him around all day.

"Go and inquire about the affairs of the elders' families. If you can uncover something important that is useful, I will reward you with five hundred taels of silver."

Yunsheng was a little excited and nodded heavily, "Aunt, I don't want the money, but I will also make inquiries."

Zhao Changning did not go to Shuier Lane to read the letters. New Year's Eve was approaching, and it would be unwise to cause trouble at this time. She had to suppress it.

After the drought in Shaanxi and Gansu ended, the court was relatively quiet and the daily court meetings ended very early.

The emperor spent part of his time in the Armory. If the place was not so remote, the sound of banging could be heard every day.

Zhao Changning took off his gloves, took the cold bird gun, and said with a bitter face: "Your Majesty, I really can't get this thing. My hands are numb."

The emperor narrowed one eye, raised his gun swiftly, and said with a smile, "Changning, you have to keep up with me. Don't be like those old guys who cling to the old stuff all day long."

Zhao Changning could only imitate the emperor, holding his gun and concentrating, shooting at the scarecrow in clothes in front of him.

After two gunshots, someone quickly returned carrying a scarecrow.

The emperor looked at the scarecrow in the center of his heart and said with satisfaction, "Is this mine?"

Unexpectedly, the soldier shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, this belongs to the Nv Shu Ling, and this is yours."

Zhao Changning's eyes swept over the other scarecrow, whose belly was broken.

She was filled with shock and could feel the emperor's gaze turning towards her, which made her feel uneasy. She quickly took the gun in her hand and muttered, "Could it be that I really am a master who can hit the target every time? God bless me."

The emperor was a little embarrassed at first, but when he heard her say it so openly and even brought up the Buddha, he just found it funny.

"Changning, another round."

This time, Zhao Changning hit the stomach, while the emperor hit the heart. Another time, Zhao Changning hit the head, while the emperor still hit the heart.

But the emperor was not very happy. Instead, he looked at her with burning eyes, even squinting his eyes.

"Did you aim deliberately?" He affirmed, "You are giving me a break."

Zhao Changning shook her head vigorously. She hadn't expected that she could hit the target with such a casual attack.

The emperor frowned slightly, "Tell the truth."

Zhao Changning was dejected. He knew he couldn't hide it, and he was also afraid of causing resentment, so he could only admit, "Your Majesty, I actually think this thing is quite simple. Just focus on it and you'll be fine."

The emperor was speechless for a long while before he said to Tomei beside him: "My female bookkeeper is really well hidden."

He ordered Zhao Changning, "From now on, when I come to the Military Affairs Bureau, you must follow me."

Zhao Changning did not hide the bitterness on her face this time. She really didn't like this place.

After the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, the emperor felt that there was nothing to do in the court every day, so he announced a holiday early so that his ministers could rest for the New Year.

Zhao Changning became increasingly busy, helping the queen deal with harem affairs and also playing with the eldest princess. Days passed like this, and finally it was New Year's Eve.

After rewarding the ministers with dishes, the royal family had a family banquet.

Zhao Changning had long known that Zhaoyi would perform a dance, but he had never expected that the Queen Mother had also prepared for it.

The Queen raised her wine glass and said to the Emperor with a smile, "Your Majesty, I am not good at dancing or music, but I have found a treasure that I love. Since I believe that happiness is better shared than joy alone, I thought of inviting Your Majesty and the sisters to see it tonight. I think Your Majesty will like it too."

The emperor had average feelings for the queen, but he still respected her. After all, the queen had no faults, had given birth to a prince, and managed the harem in an orderly manner.

"Oh?" He propped his chin on his hand and smiled faintly, "Really? Then I'd like to take a closer look."

Zhao Changning was also a little curious, and she seemed to have a vague premonition in her heart. As the beauty's familiar and stunning face faintly emerged under the candlelight and moonlight, she felt a sense of relief and then looked at the emperor.

Sure enough, the emperor gradually sat up straight.

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