Chapter 1008: The Gold Devouring Beast Must Grow Up

The emperor nodded in agreement. This was also the reason why he had not sent an envoy out before. Especially after this pirate incident, he deeply realized the importance of the navy. He was not unaware of the situation of the national treasury, but he had to proceed no matter how difficult it was.

The emperor patted Zhou Shuren on the shoulder and said, "Next year, I will increase investment in the navy. Thank you for your hard work, my dear."

Zhou Shuren, "......."

Haha, he always wants to squeeze him and increase investment. This money-eating beast is about to grow up, and he really can't afford to feed it.

The emperor looked away. He felt a little guilty after he finished speaking. This year's tax revenue was good, but a lot of next year's tax revenue was spent this year. After that, the national treasury would not look good. He did not intend to treat the Chen family the same way he treated the Feng family.

The Feng family was too much. The Qi family was just making money in the clan and were greedy for money. Although they did a lot of things, they didn't really cross his bottom line. The Feng family was different. The fourth brother was the first one who dared to take action against his siblings. At that time, Zhang Jinghong was not his biological son, so he didn't feel much.

But things were different after the fourth brother took action against Rongchuan. The Feng family had instigated the fourth brother over the years. He dared to assassinate Rongchuan in Beijing this time, but what about next time?

Therefore, the Feng family must fall. He knows his limits when dealing with the Qi family. As long as they don't really cross the line, he will still keep their friendship in mind.

As for the Chen family, Grandpa Chen was smart and didn't want to use his daughter's marriage at first. Unfortunately, his father was still alive and his words were useless. With the second son around, the Chen family naturally became ambitious. They have made some moves over the years but have always been cautious, at least no big moves. They have controlled the scale of the Chen family very well.

If it weren't for the fact that the forces behind Zhang Jinghong were deeply hidden and knew so much, the Chen family would be able to step back after the crown prince succeeded to the throne. This was brilliant and made him even more afraid, but he would not kill the Chen family.

Zhou Shuren saw that the emperor was distracted, so he couldn't help but be distracted as well, as he didn't want to disturb the emperor. The navy must increase investment, so he had to find a way to deal with the money. He thought that the classified tax could be taken out after Chang Lian entered the Maritime Affairs Bureau.

Zhou Shuren thought a lot about classified taxation. With his eyes squinted, he even wanted to draw a blueprint of a port. He was not good at design, but he had seen such a blueprint in modern ports, on TV, on the Internet, and he had even been there in person.

Moreover, more warehouses and ice cellars can be built and rented out, which costs money. There are many ways to do this, but they cannot be taken out all at once.

The emperor called Zhou Shuren twice. Good fellow, he was distracted, and Zhou Shuren followed suit. "Shuren, what did you think of?"

Zhou Shuren came back to his senses, "I just want Changyi to ask his grandchildren to learn some foreign languages."

The emperor knew that some officials had foresight. Not to mention the officials, even the crown prince was learning foreign languages. At his age, he would learn a sentence or two from time to time. "Shu Ren's idea is very good."

Zhou Shuren has a toothache. Your Majesty, you really don’t have to call his name.

In the Hanlin Academy, Chang Lian listened to the conversation in the room. Several people surrounded Shi Qing. Lu Liang's tone was full of jealousy, "Shi Qing, don't you have any ideas about setting up a maritime branch?"

Shi Qing raised his head, "What do you want to say?"

Lu Liang smiled, "Everyone knows that you are valued by the Fifth Prince. I think the Fifth Prince has plans for you. Your name must be on the list of this branch office."

He did not dare to be jealous of Zhou Changlian. Firstly, the emperor had spoken personally, and secondly, the Zhou family had taken deeper and deeper roots in the capital. These were things he could not be jealous of. Everyone knew that Zhou Changlian would be on the list.

But Shi Qing was different. He was born into a merchant family, so he was always under pressure.

Entering the branch office means not only one year less of assessment, but also an official position that makes people jealous. It's not easy to get into the maritime department.

Shi Qing sneered, "I don't know if I'm on the list, but I know you won't be on it if you're like this."

Lu Liang blushed with anger, because the truth was, his performance in the Hanlin Academy during his two years there was only average.

Shi Qing saw Chang Lian looking at him, nodded slightly, and then continued to do his own thing.

Shi Qing will not leave the capital, although Zhang Yang wants him to join the Maritime Affairs Bureau. Unfortunately, Zhang Yang's efforts will only expose him more, and his fate is in the hands of the emperor.

Chang Lian retracted his gaze. Officials would be assigned after the assessment of the Hanlin Academy. In fact, many people wanted to stay in Beijing. After all, the officials in Beijing were different, but there were really not many opportunities. Moreover, unless one had great abilities and impressed the emperor so that one could climb up quickly, the rest would just have to endure.

Leaving Beijing has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you have a family to rely on, but the disadvantage is that you have no one to rely on. If you have no one to support you, you will have to endure the hardships in your hometown.

Chang Lian knew that he had a good father, so he was not afraid to leave the capital. Even if he went to various states, his father would support him. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that as long as his father was successful, the Minister of Revenue would be his father sooner or later.

The entire country is related to the Ministry of Revenue!

At the Ningguo Mansion, Xue Han came to visit her grandparents, bringing the fruits given to her by her second brother.

Before Xue Han entered the house, the old woman enthusiastically opened the curtain. Her attitude changed a lot before and after the marriage. She would not have been so attentive before the marriage.

As soon as Xue Han entered the room, she saw that there were a lot of people inside, and Mrs. Du was also there.

The Duke's wife was delighted to see Xue Han. "It's so cold, why are you here? Come and sit next to me."

This was Xue Han's second visit to the Duke's Mansion after her marriage. The first time was to offer tea to grandpa and grandma.

Xue Han was still holding a fruit basket in her hand. After handing it to the girl, she bowed and said with a smile, "Grandma, I just came in and I feel cold. I won't get close to you for now."

The Duke's wife felt warm in her heart, "You are such a thoughtful child. You just took charge of the Marquis's Mansion. Is there anything you don't understand?"

The Duke's wife wants to teach him, but she can refrain from interfering. After all, Rongchuan is the prince, not a real grandson.

Xue Han smiled and said, "If there are still some things you don't understand, grandma, please don't think I'm annoying you later. I have a lot of questions to ask."

The Duke's wife laughed so hard that her eyes almost disappeared. This was a sign of respect and trust for her. "Good child, whatever you ask, I will tell you."

Then she became even more displeased with Mrs. Du. When she first handed the case over to Mrs. Du's housekeeper, she kindly asked about it, but Mrs. Du was wary of her, which made her very angry. Mrs. Du made a lot of jokes and embarrassed many people in the Ningguo Mansion.

Xue Han saw that the fruits had been taken out, "Grandma, my second brother came back from abroad yesterday and brought back a lot of fruits he grew. These fruits are hard to come by, so I brought them here specially for you and grandpa to eat today."

This fruit is rare in the capital and difficult to preserve. Too many of them go bad when they get to the capital, which not only costs money but also takes up space. Only my second brother doesn't buy it for the money but just to let his parents taste it.

She specially picked out a few of the good quality ones and brought them over.

The Duke's wife had always liked Xue Han. She was very happy to see that she always cared about them. "Good girl, you brought some even though we didn't have much. It doesn't matter if we eat it or not since we are old."

Xue Han warmed up and moved closer, holding her grandmother's hand. "That won't do. I hope you and grandpa will live a long life. There are still many blessings to come!"

After hearing this, the Duke's wife felt warm in her heart, "Okay, okay, Grandma will listen to you and enjoy the good fortune."