Chapter 1756: Surprise
A few days later, Zhou Shuren stayed behind after the morning court session, along with several other ministers.
The emperor pointed to the hanging map and said, "One third of this section of the river has not been completed yet."
He was very dissatisfied with the progress made last year, but there was nothing he could do as there was quite a bit of snow in the south last year.
Zhou Shuren's heart bleeds every time he sees this, not only because it costs money, but also because it delays too many things.
The emperor continued, "It must be completed by the end of May this year."
Zhou Shuren had no objection. Since it was a major matter concerning the people, the money had already been prepared.
The other ministers looked at each other, and the Minister of Works spoke hesitantly: "Your Majesty, one-third of the project is not a small amount."
Emperor, "That must also be completed."
He was really afraid of floods, and in his heart he once again cursed the officials who had embezzled the dam money.
The Minister of Works shut up. It's really a headache to need manpower everywhere.
Afterwards, several other important matters were discussed and the ministers left one after another.
Zhou Shuren and Lord Gong were walking together. Lord Gong asked, "I heard that the youngest son of the Marquis returned to his hometown to take the examination for the scholar degree?"
Zhou Shuren, "You pay a lot of attention to me."
Lord Gong smiled and said, "My youngest son is also taking the exam this year."
Zhou Shuren really didn't know, "I remember your youngest son is 22?"
Gong said helplessly but dotingly, "This child is my lifeblood. I protect him even if he is tired from studying. He could have taken the exam a long time ago, but it has been delayed until now."
Zhou Shuren, "Your eldest son?"
"For a scholar who has passed the 16th examination, the eldest son must bear the same responsibilities."
Zhou Shuren said, "You're telling me this?"
Gong thought to himself that he wanted to have a casual chat with you to get closer to you. There are topics to talk about when talking about children. They are the lifeblood of his son. "It's just a chat."
As a result, the two of them didn't get very familiar with each other after chatting all the way, mainly because Mr. Gong never got to the point every time.
Zhou Shuren got on the carriage with something on his mind. Thinking back to today's morning court session, the Emperor was very impatient with the stubborn faction, especially with Old Lord Luo. He did not give Old Lord Luo any face at all today.
Zhou Shuren pointed with his fingertips. He felt that the emperor wanted to purge a few stubborn people, and the Luo family would be the first to be hit.
In Xiaoliujia Village, in the courtyard where Changzhi lived, he was sitting in the courtyard reading a newspaper. The newspapers in Beijing were delayed, and the newspaper he was reading now was the last issue.
Liu Mingsheng pushed the door open and walked in. "Mr.
Changzhi put down the newspaper and asked, "Have you signed up?"
Liu Mingsheng couldn't help but be delighted. "I've signed up. Thank you for your help, sir. I will never forget it."
Changzhi motioned for him to sit down, and the waiter came up with a teapot, "Have a cup of hot tea."
Liu Mingsheng, "I will definitely win this time."
Changzhi did not mention that Liu Mingsheng's performance was replaced. He had investigated everything that needed to be investigated while staying here. Why were Liu Mingsheng's subsequent attempts forced to take the county examination? It was all because he bribed the officials who could not pass the prefectural examination. The officials in the prefecture had been transferred a few years ago.
So Liu Mingsheng was lucky. As long as he could deal with the county officials, he would be able to take the exam smoothly.
Chang Zhi said: "I have been staying here for a few days. It is time for me to continue my study tour."
Liu Mingsheng was very reluctant to leave. He had learned a lot from the past few days of asking questions, which were beyond the academy's ability to teach him. But he also knew that all good things must come to an end. "I wish you a safe journey, sir."
"Okay, wait until I come back to get the four books."
Liu Mingsheng stayed and asked some more questions about what he didn't understand, then thanked again and left.
The servant came over and said, "Sir, the county lord here will be imprisoned in three days."
Chang Zhi hummed, "Let's leave quickly too, so we don't get discovered."
The servant said, "Liu Mingsheng met you, he met a noble man."
Changzhi smiled and said, "It's fate. If I hadn't heard his story, I wouldn't have stayed so long."
The boy got up to pack his luggage, his steps were brisk, as he was finally leaving the village. All the inquiries these days were quite annoying.
The next day, Liu Mingsheng received the package. The woman said, "The gentleman who rented the yard left it for you. He also left a message, hoping that you will have a smooth journey."
Liu Mingsheng felt remorseful and thanked the woman. He went back and opened the package. Inside was a set of four treasures of the study and a box. In the box was twenty taels of silver. Including the money for copying the Four Books by heart, it was enough money for him to take the autumn imperial examination.
Liu Mingsheng was grateful and laughed and cried. He laughed because he was appreciated and cried because he persisted in getting this opportunity.
In the palace, Zhou Shuren saw the news about Chang Zhi. Everything Chang Zhi said and did was recorded, with the focus on the questions raised by Chang Zhi.
Zhou Shuren, "!!"
The emperor pointed at the reported news and said, "This boy is really brave."
Zhou Shuren, "."
This kid did it on purpose. He was trying to test the emperor's attitude. He caused trouble not long after leaving the capital.
The emperor added: "He started the trouble before he even arrived in Chuanzhou."
Zhou Shuren continued to read the news, "The emperor should be happy."
Changzhi has discovered a good talent. The hardships of these years have not crushed his will, and he still has his own ideas. Liu Mingsheng is good.
The emperor smiled and said, "It would be better for Changzhi to stay in the Hanlin Academy after he comes back."
Zhou Shuren, "Changzhi will not help you anymore in the future."
The fourth brother knew his limits and understood that he could show favor once, but he couldn't do so all the time. This was not what the emperor wanted to see, and it was not good for the Zhou Mansion either.
The emperor nodded. Zhou Changzhi was his secret weapon. He couldn't be used all the time, but he could catch his enemies by surprise. He was still satisfied with Zhou Changzhi.
The emperor signaled to eunuch Zhang to set up the chessboard and wait for the game to start. The emperor suddenly said, "I have already hinted to Lord Luo to retire."
Zhou Shuren's heart was moved, "This is somewhat beyond my expectations."
He could sense the emperor's thoughts, but he didn't expect him to be so decisive.
The emperor took the first step, put the chess piece away and continued, "This is the last face I will give him."
Zhou Shuren, "The Duke's Mansion and the Luo family are related by marriage."
The emperor said in a mocking tone, "Has the Luo family ever provided any help during this long marriage?"
Zhou Shuren was silent. If the Luo family had given help, the Yong'an Mansion would not have suffered such a huge loss of face last time.
The emperor said quietly, "So this marriage is the same as if it didn't exist. What's the point of keeping it if the promise is not fulfilled?"
Zhou Shuren, "You know everything."
The emperor sneered, "I have no problem with the marriage between the two families. What do you think?"
I had thought that the Luo family could do some work and we could solve the problem together in the future. However, I underestimated the shamelessness of the Luo family. They took the money from the Duke's Mansion but didn't contribute at all. How shameless they are!
Zhou Shuren understood that the emperor was unwilling to tolerate the Luo family's inaction. "It's only the beginning of the year and there's a big transfer. Is this bad?"
Emperor, "That's why I hinted to him to retire. If he retires honestly, I can give the Luo family another half a year. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Zhou Shuren clicked his tongue twice. He didn't want to say anything good for the Luo family. He was also very annoyed with the Luo family.
The emperor continued, "The position of the Luo family's retired leader will be retained."
Zhou Shuren pondered for a while and then laughed. The emperor reserved a position for Wang Ju for future transfers. At the same time, he thought sarcastically that whether Lord Luo left or not would have no impact on the court!
(End of this chapter)