Chapter 1174: Temptation

The next day, Yuyun observed Changli and his wife. He knew that Changli and his wife went to see Shuren last night. When he saw the couple smiling at him, he knew what was going on. He grinned, thinking that the matter was settled.

Changli and his wife thought about it for a long time when they got home last night. They couldn't save resources for their own children like Changyi and his friends, and they couldn't just rely on their eldest son. After thinking it over, they felt that it was indeed the most meaningful for Mingteng.

Today Zhou Shuren left the court and stayed behind. The war in the southwest was still going on. In the current confrontation between the two sides, there was a lot of food and fodder every day. Zhou Shuren also knew that some radicals were angry and wanted to set fire to the mountain.

Fortunately, the emperor and the prince refuted the petition.

In the study, after discussing other state affairs for a while, the emperor left Zhou Shuren alone and asked, "Did your eldest come back yesterday?"

Zhou Shuren: "Yes, I'm back."

The emperor added, "My fourth uncle has lived in your house for some time."

Zhou Shuren thought to himself, "Indeed, he has been teaching Mingteng at home. Fourth uncle is more capable than me. Mingteng has made great progress under his guidance. He is good in both academics and martial arts."

In this academy test, Ming Teng ranked among the top five in Class B for the first time, which is a significant improvement.

The emperor stroked his beard and said, "The roads in the capital will also be completed. If the Ronghou Mansion is not the bloodline of my uncle, my fourth uncle can also bear the credit."

Zhou Shuren understood that the emperor was telling him bluntly that the favor shown to Ronghou Mansion was all because of the emperor's mother. After all, they were blood relatives. Even if Rong Enqing was a bastard's son, he was still of this branch, and this could not be changed.

The emperor thought to himself that he was an old fox, but he continued, "The prince will be rewarded when he ascends the throne."

Zhou Shuren finally became serious. What the emperor meant to tell him was that his fourth uncle's branch would still receive rewards?

The emperor smiled and said, "I gave the title to the fourth uncle, but unfortunately he is only one person. If I want to give more, I will have to take it back, so I didn't give more. But the fourth uncle said that he would inherit the title, so this reward will be there."

Zhou Shuren heard it clearly. The emperor explained why he only gave him the title of marquis, and also told him clearly that his fourth uncle could only inherit the Zhou family's children and would definitely not inherit the Rong Marquisate. His fourth uncle was disgusted, and the emperor did not allow it. After all, the emperor hated the Rong Marquisate in his heart.

Seeing that the emperor was silent and only looked at him, Zhou Shuren said seriously, "I understand."

The emperor hummed, "You are a good person. I have tested you over the years and I trust your character."

"I have no way of repaying the emperor's trust."

As for dying and then stopping, sorry, he can't do that.

The emperor helped Zhou Shuren up, "Get up."

The emperor waited for Zhou Shuren to go out, and stood by the window watching him leave. He actually suggested that Zhou Shuren's second son inherit the title, which would also make his career smoother, but Yuyun was unwilling.

Yuyun has lived for so many years, and he hopes to build a better Rong family instead of choosing a successor who has everything set in stone. As for Yuyun, he hopes that the Rong family can be true and does not need to be too calculating.

The emperor later thought that this was a good thing, as it would prevent Zhou Shuren's second son from becoming too ambitious in taking over the throne and ruining his plan.

In the academy, Mingteng was listless and a little dazed. He answered the teacher's questions several times incorrectly. Even after being scolded by the teacher, Mingteng still couldn't cheer up.

Mingrui frowned, "Second brother, second brother, what happened to you today?"

Ming Teng hesitated to speak. His parents made a lot of noise yesterday. He happened to overhear them when they came back. Thinking of what he overheard, he said dejectedly, "No, nothing."

Mingrui knew his second brother who couldn't hide things. Something big must have happened. His mind was turning, and he suddenly remembered what his father had accidentally said once. His eyes widened, it turned out to be true!

Ran Xun was curious, "Don't lie, you must have something wrong."

Ming Teng was very irritated, "I said it's okay, so it's okay."

When Ran Xun heard this, he felt that the matter was even more serious.

In the restaurant, Rong Enqing and Gu Ren sat opposite each other. Rong Enqing looked at the things Gu Ren brought over. "Is this the good thing you're talking about?"

Gu Ren's eyes flashed with excitement, "Yes, don't underestimate it, this thing can make people energetic, it is a rare good thing in foreign countries. This time when I went to the northwest to do business, I asked someone to bring some good things that foreign tribes would fight for. This box is ten gold."

Rong Enqing suppressed the rage in his heart. This thing was harmful, but he still had to smile, "Are you sure the emperor will like it?"

Gu Ren's tone was full of temptation. "He must like it. Didn't you say that the emperor was mentally exhausted when he came in? You will know after trying it. If you are worried, you and your father can try it first."

Gu Ren paused and continued, "Two Rong Marquises, your situation is not good. You are obviously the more orthodox, but the emperor values ​​an old man who is about to die. Are you willing? Are you willing to be a nominal marquis? We have been friends for many years, so I am distracted and troubled by you. I rarely have such things."

Rong Enqing hooked his fingertips on the box, he knew what was inside. When Lord Zhou set tariffs on various commodities, this ointment was on the list of overseas goods. When Lord Zhou saw it, he wrote a letter to point out the harm of this ointment and sent people to investigate along the coast. The results of the investigation were chilling.

Therefore, the customs of the Maritime Administration prevented the entry of this kind of ointment from the beginning, and also publicized the dangers along the coast. Unexpectedly, Gu Ren changed his name and presented it to him.

Rong Enqing thought to himself, did Gu Ren really think he didn't know? That's right, he was just a scholar in the Imperial Academy last year, and this thing was banned from entering the capital when Lord Zhou came. In fact, many people didn't know about it.

Gu Ren was a little anxious when he saw Rong Enqing was silent. These things were still smuggled in. When there was no ban, they really made a lot of money. He got even angrier when he thought of this. Zhou Shuren improved the customs and tariffs step by step, cutting off too much of their money.

Gu Ren, "Are you still hesitating? Now is not the time to hesitate. I heard that your fourth grandfather is going to inherit Zhou Shuren's grandson. If your grandfather's branch has descendants, the emperor will not pay attention to you. In the future, when mentioning the Rong family, he will only remember your fourth grandfather's branch. Are you willing to accept this?"

Rong Enqing narrowed his eyes. Gu Ren knew so much. He even knew everything about the succession. You know, outsiders knew nothing about this. Did the Fourth Master have people like Gu Ren around him?

As for marginalization, he knew it very well. As long as his son had the blood of the Yao family and he was not the legitimate son, it was doomed.

Next to the tavern, the King of Qi and the King of Chu pricked up their ears. This tavern belonged to the King of Qi. He had noticed it since he knew that Rong Enqing often came here with a businessman. Today, by coincidence, it was right next door. This tavern had some mechanisms, and when they were activated, the vague sounds from next door became much clearer.

King Qi raised his eyebrows, this is interesting.