Why do you have to come here?

If I were still at home and hadn't seen Zhang Weixian, I wouldn't have gotten involved in these messes. Even if His Majesty was dissatisfied with my family, I would just find another way.

But now I can’t go back even if I want to.

Slowly opening his eyes, Xu Xi glanced at Zhang Weixian, feeling a bit resentful. At this point, no one cared about their past friendship.

Looking at Zhu Chunchen and then at Zhang Weixian in front of him, Xu Xi suddenly realized one thing: the Ming Dynasty was no longer the Ming Dynasty, and the nobles were no longer the nobles. Everyone was not on the same front. For the sake of power, many things could be abandoned and betrayed.

Times have changed. If you still act according to your old ways of thinking, you'll probably end up being the one who suffers. Since there's no turning back, let's just move forward.

Thinking of this, Xu Xi gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and said, "I wonder what the Duke wants me to do?"

Zhang Weixian looked at Xu Xi, sighed, took a sip of tea, and said slowly: "Things are too complicated. I can't figure it out for the moment and can't think of any good solution."

"But His Majesty is anxious right now, and the court is short of money. We, as ministers, naturally should share His Majesty's worries. We, the nobles, have been blessed by the Emperor for generations, and we should indeed do something. Do you have any ideas? What I just said was nothing more than some complaints between us, and it shouldn't be taken seriously."

After hearing what Zhang Weixian said, Xu Xi smiled.

The smile on his face was bright, but his heart felt colder and colder.

This old fox didn't want to take the blame at all and wanted to take the lead himself.

Xu Xi gritted his teeth and said, "Yes! If we don't do something at this point, we, as ministers, will be sorry to His Majesty. So I think since the salt business is so chaotic, let's start with it. The court is seriously occupied, so why not start with the occupation."

After Xu Xi finished speaking, he looked up at Zhang Weixian and said, "I'll write a petition after I return and send it to the palace. I'm willing to advocate for this. However, I'm not very knowledgeable and haven't read much in recent years. I'm afraid there are many omissions in this petition."

When he said this, Xu Xi slowly stopped and turned to look at Zhang Weixian.

Zhang Weixian was already nervous at this moment. At this point, he was only one step away from the final goal, but Xu Xi stopped. It was obvious that he hadn't done it accidentally, but had definitely stopped on purpose.

Zhang Weixian then sighed and said, "Yes, all of us were ignorant when we were young. We relied on the kindness of our ancestors and worked hard all day long. We didn't read much. It's really regrettable that we didn't read enough when we needed it."

"However, this matter is of great importance, and we cannot just let anyone look at it or draft it. We must find someone who is trustworthy, highly respected, and loyal to the court to review it. Do you have such a person around you? If there is a suitable person, please let me know. Even if you are not familiar with the person, I can ask him for your help."

Xu Xi looked at Zhang Weixian and said with a wry smile, "Duke, please don't refuse this. In terms of seniority and prestige, who can compare to you?"

"In terms of scholarship, you are the best among us. In terms of loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and to His Majesty, there are only a few who can compare with you. After this memorial is completed, I would like to ask for your comments."

After hearing Xu Xi's words, Zhang Weixian was stunned and seemed a little surprised. He didn't expect Xu Xi to say such a thing.

Then, Zhang Weixian stood up as if he had been hit on the buttocks by a chair, waved his hands, and said anxiously: "No, no, how can this be possible? You know my knowledge very well, how can it be as good as you say."

"Besides, this matter was your contribution. It's not right for me to interfere. We have a friendship that goes back generations. How can we do such a thing?"

"We are brothers, so how can we separate what's yours and what's mine?" Xu Xi said with anger on his face. "Besides, I came to the Duke for help this time. Duke, please help me for the sake of our ancestors. If you don't help, I won't leave today."

Seeing Xu Xi acting like a rogue, Zhang Weixian smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Finally, with no other choice, Zhang Weixian said, "You're right. We are indeed friends from our ancestors, and we share the same blood. If I don't help you when something happens, I'd be letting down our ancestors. So, when you're done, give me the notebook. I'll check and fix anything that's wrong."

"Of course, I'm just suggesting something. It's up to you to decide whether to listen to me or not. But don't worry, once your memorial is finished, I'm willing to sign it with you. If His Majesty summons me, I'll accompany you to the palace."

"Our ancestral friendship means that even if His Majesty gets angry, I will stand by you and bear the brunt of the burden. So, Duke Dingguo, go back and write with confidence. No matter what others think of you, in my heart you are our role model for nobles."

"With what the Duke has said, there's nothing more to say." Xu Xi stood up and said to Zhang Weixian, "I'll go back and write the memorial. I'll ask the Duke for his advice later."

"The Duke is willing to help me this time. I will remember this favor. Please rest assured, if His Majesty blames me, I will bear all the responsibility and will never implicate the Duke."

"Look at what you're saying," Zhang Weixian said angrily. "We've been friends for generations. How could you have such thoughts? Don't worry, even if you lose your job at the General Staff Office, I won't abandon you."

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!