Chapter 1020 Waiting

Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was a little absent-minded. He had confidence in Chang Yi, but he was still worried about him. Zhou Shuren thought, eight or nine years ago, he would never have thought that he would be such a responsible father.

The Ministry of Rites is receiving envoys today. Chang Yi can only enter the palace tomorrow if he shows his value today. Zhou Shuren pressed his brows. He couldn't help but think of Chang Lian and chuckled. He has so many concerns now.

In Xuzhou, Chang Lian received Zhao Ji. As they were both scholars of the same rank, although they had not had much contact, Zhao Ji approached him hoping to form a strong alliance as he had arrived in Xuzhou, a place he was not familiar with.

Chang Lian asked, "Have you found a place to live?"

Zhao Ji nodded, "I've found it. It's a small courtyard not far from where you live."

Speaking of this, Zhao Ji was envious. He didn't have a father who was an official, so his family was well off. However, after buying a house in the capital, he didn't have much money left, and he really couldn't afford a good house in Xuzhou. He stayed in the inn for a few days before he chose a house.

Chang Lian heard this and said, "That's great. We can take care of each other in the future."

Zhao Ji came here just to seek support. When he was in the Hanlin Academy, he also wanted to make friends with Zhou Changlian. Unfortunately, Zhou Changlian had no shortage of people around him, and with Lu Liang's behavior, he gave up the idea and focused all his attention on his job. He had to make friends with Zhou Changlian now so that he could get news of any disturbance in the future to avoid being pushed out as a scapegoat.

In the backyard, Mrs. Dong envied Zhao Ji's wife because she was really good at giving birth and had three sons.

At noon, Changyi had already followed Lord Wang back to the Ministry of Rites. He was still dizzy when he walked. He did not make any mistakes, not a single mistake today. More importantly, the officials brought by the Prince of Qi today were not as good at translation as he was, and they made several mistakes.

Wang Ju was in a good mood, especially because Chang Yi made him proud. He only brought Chang Yi with him, but he was able to translate three foreign languages. He was so happy that he patted Chang Yi's shoulder vigorously, "Good boy, you really made your father proud."

Chang Yi staggered and almost fell down. He was still thinking about something and didn't notice, "Sir, do you think I can enter the palace tomorrow?"

Wang Ju laughed, "You are still not confident? Don't worry, you will definitely be able to enter the palace tomorrow. Your performance today is good. If you stabilize tomorrow, the matter will basically be settled."

Chang Yi clenched his fists and grinned, "Sir, I'll treat you to a meal."

Wang Ju didn't have anything important to say. "Well, you are much more generous than your father."

Chang Yi paused, "My father also worked to support the family. We all depend on him. He worked so hard."

After hearing this, Wang Ju chuckled. Who doesn't want to support the family? Zhou Shuren is the one who does, and he does it to the very end.

Inside the palace, the emperor listened to the report and smiled. If Zhou Changyi didn't seize the opportunity he gave him, he would lose face, too. "He is indeed a talented person."

The prince said, "It is because of the opportunity given to him by his father that he can show his ability."

The emperor also thought he was a talent scout. Just look at Zhou Shuren and you'll know. He liked Zhou Shuren right away. "Now that the weather is getting warmer, we can continue construction of Rongyuan. Send someone to tell the second son and his family that no one should delay the progress."

The prince knew clearly that his father was finding things for his younger brothers to do, and that they should be kept busy so that they would not have time to plot against him.

The Crown Prince was tired, ever since his brothers got married, they had been plotting against him. Even though they were fighting fiercely now, they had never forgotten about him. If it weren't for his father targeting his brothers from time to time, he wouldn't be able to deal with it as easily as he does now.

The next day, inside the palace, Chang Yi did not follow Lord Wang this time, but stood beside the Emperor. Chang Yi pinched himself hard to calm himself down, and kept his face smeared, concentrating all his attention on listening to the conversation.

The envoys also brought a translator with them. Chinese is difficult, so the translation is sometimes not good enough. Chinese is profound and extensive, and the meaning can be very different if translated incorrectly. The envoys this time were not from a nearby country with a strong maritime force. They were very arrogant when they came, but became obedient after being shocked.

Changyi had suffered language loss before, so he listened very carefully. The envoy wanted to stay in the capital, hoping to achieve better communication and seek some special privileges for himself.

The emperor narrowed his eyes. What's the point of doing it for better mutually beneficial development? It's just for better information gathering. The special privilege is proof of that. If he is really allowed to go everywhere, he will know the capital city thoroughly.

There is no rush for these, today is only the first day. After the banquet, the envoys left the palace.

Changyi also followed the officials from the Ministry of Rites out of the palace.

In the evening, Chang Yi stayed by his father's side after dinner. "Dad, my son's performance today was not bad. Do you think there will be any news tomorrow?"

Zhou Shuren: "No."

Chang Yi was depressed, "My son doesn't think so either. It's a big deal for the envoy to stay in the capital."

Zhou Shuren went home and listened to Chang Yi's story of today's events before he had even eaten. He looked at Chang Yi, feeling conflicted. Should he help his son? "What you need to do now is to complete all the tasks assigned to you."

Chang Yi was in high spirits again. He heard from Lord Wang that he would have to argue with the envoy for a long time. "Well, my son will remember this."

Zhou Shuren waited until his son left, and then sent the maid and the old woman away, then whispered, "Do you think I should make a suggestion to the Emperor?"

Zhulan disagreed, "You have done enough. As long as the envoy's issue is resolved, the decree will come sooner or later."

Zhou Shuren thought about it and laughed to himself, "I really care about these sons. I wasn't like this before."

Zhulan laughed, "So don't accuse me of worrying about everything in the future. I think you're almost there."

Zhou Shuren curled his lips and said, "Actually, this feels pretty good."

Zhu Lan curled her lips. Zhou Shuren used to be so cold, but now he is full of life. The relationship between Zhou Shuren and his son is no longer an obligation, but a real father-son relationship.

The next day, after the morning court session, the emperor kept many ministers to discuss the matter of the envoy.

Zhou Shuren stood obediently behind Lord Xiao, listening to the speeches of the great scholars. It had happened before that great nations came to pay tribute, and it was quite exciting anyway.

Many officials made suggestions, some were happy, but of course some were worried, as they believed that people who were not of our race could not be trusted. Some supported the suggestions, while others opposed them.

Zhou Shuren listened and realized that no one was making a fuss this time and the opinions expressed were all very valuable.

Li Zhao was the loudest, saying, "Since you are in our country, you must abide by our laws. Special privileges are absolutely not allowed."

After saying this, he waited for everyone, ready to quarrel with anyone who dared to mention something about a country of etiquette.

Li Zhao's words were supported by many people, because there were already some rules for foreigners, and people had already seen the benefits, so they naturally did not want any special privileges to exist.

The emperor saw the quiet people, especially Zhou Shuren who was so quiet that he seemed as if he didn't exist. Out of habit, the emperor had expectations for Zhou Shuren.

(End of this chapter)