Chapter 1262 Death
Zhou Shuren became alert. He summoned the emperor for no reason. Now considering the new emperor's image, this kind of solitary summons always had a bad premonition.
Sure enough, Zhou Shuren got a list, and behind the list came a list of family businesses.
Wow, the new emperor has figured out everything about these old forces!
The new emperor said, "Lord Zhou is the person my father trusts the most, and he is also a minister whom I rely on."
Zhou Shuren had a serious expression on his face, but he thought in his heart, here it comes.
The new emperor continued, "Please invite the person I marked above to have some tea and a chat in private. As for what to talk about, I believe Lord Zhou understands."
Zhou Shuren, "."
He knew that nothing good was going to happen. In the previous dynasty, he was valued by the emperor. Although a new force was rising, he was not envied by the old forces. By the time they began to feel some envy, he had already become a royal relative.
Although his career had never come into conflict with these forces, it did not mean that he was unaware of the persistence of some aristocratic families. If he gave up the power he had acquired, he would have to cut his flesh!
Zhou Shuren took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty trusts me too much. I still know my own limitations."
The new emperor smiled, "I know Lord Zhou very well, so this matter can only be Lord Zhou."
He did not want to fight these old forces to death at the beginning. He wanted to gather power little by little. He was not in a hurry to do it slowly, but the game was inevitable. Now he has basically figured out the bottom line of these old forces. When there is no threat, they fight among themselves fiercely and become scattered. When they encounter a threat, they unite very well. This is not easy to deal with. Therefore, the best way is to disintegrate from within.
He thought about it and decided who would be the most suitable person to do it. It had to be Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren's several performances had fully demonstrated his ability. Moreover, Lord Zhou was very good at arguing with people. In addition, he was not involved with any forces, so he was the most suitable candidate.
Zhou Shuren wanted to say something, but when he met the new emperor's trusting eyes, he fell silent. When had he given the new emperor a false impression that he could talk back to the old faction?
After Zhou Shuren was sent out by Eunuch Zhang, he turned around and looked at the study in Zheng Palace, but unfortunately he could not see the emperor.
Zhou Shuren was already tired, and now his head was buzzing. He let out two clicks of the tongue. The new emperor finally started to exploit him!
At the Zhou family, Zhulan and Suxuan are discussing what to do for the New Year. This year means something different to the Zhou family. It's not just about promotions, wealth, and a growing family, but also because the threat to the Zhou family is gone.
So we must have a prosperous year.
Zhulan said to Yushuang and the others, "Tell us what you think."
Yu Shuang had some thoughts, "Grandma, can we sisters be responsible for the preparation and decoration of each courtyard?"
Zhulan smiled and said, "It seems you have an idea. Okay, if you need anything, go to the cashier and withdraw money."
Yu Shuang and Yu Lu looked at each other with excitement in their eyes, and they said in unison, "Thank you, grandma."
Su Xuan saw that Yu Shuang and a few others had already picked up pens and wrote down the things they needed to buy. She turned her head to look at the lazy and sleepy young lady, feeling helpless.
Su Xuan pushed the lady, "You are not allowed to sleep."
Yuwen yawned. The room was cozy and the small kang was also warm. It was a perfect environment for sleeping. Meeting her mother's threatening eyes, she slowly got up and sat next to her elder sister.
Yu Shuang gave up her seat to Yu Wen, then pulled Yu Wen aside and asked her what kind of lantern she liked.
Su Xuan then withdrew her gaze with satisfaction. Zhu Lan felt that it was too early for the fourth daughter-in-law to feel relieved.
Sure enough, less than a cup of tea later, Zhulan looked up and saw Yuwen, who was already holding Yushuang's sleeve to block her sleep, with her little head leaning against her sister.
Yu Shuang is a gentle elder sister. Now she just opens her mouth and stops moving her hands, for fear of waking up her sleepy little sister.
Zhulan shook her head and laughed. No one could do anything about Yuwen. Although this girl was lazy, she was really smart. She learned things quickly, so she had more time to be lazy.
Zhulan drew up a list in her hand. This year, all the servants in the mansion would be given two new sets of clothes, and a few more dishes would be added.
Su Xuan estimated the money in her mind, "Mom, this year's New Year's Day money is twice as much as in previous years."
Zhulan was delighted, "This year is a festive year, so this little money is nothing."
Su Xuan smiled and put away the list. Just as she was about to say something, Steward Ding rushed in and said, "Madam, Duke Ning is gone."
Zhulan was stunned for a moment, "This is too sudden."
She met the Empress Dowager in the market and heard some news about the Duke's Mansion from time to time. It was clear that a few days ago, the Empress Dowager said that the old Duke was in good health and could eat a whole plate of dumplings in one meal.
Steward Ding said, "We have sent someone to inquire."
Zhulan said, "Go and see for yourself."
Butler Ding: "Yes."
Su Xuan waited for Butler Ding to leave, "This is so unexpected."
Zhu Lan sighed, "Yeah, I thought the old guild would live a few more years."
Unfortunately, humans cannot fight death and their life span is over.
Duke Ning died suddenly. Why was it so sudden? Because the old duke was taking a nap and never woke up again. He passed away during his nap and his face was still peaceful.
Ning Xu became the backbone of the Duke's Mansion. After Ning Xu sent out servants to notify everyone, she calmly changed her father's clothes and carried up the coffin that had been prepared long ago.
The youngsters of the Duke's Mansion are in the academy and haven't come back yet. The only ones crying now are a few great-granddaughters, while the Song family is still busy hanging up the ceremonial tablets in the mansion and waiting for them.
Ning Xu was relatively calm, because his father had indeed been acting a little abnormal these days. He had held him back and would not let him return to the mansion. He would tell him about the past every day and would mutter to himself from time to time.
He had a feeling in his heart, but seeing that his father ate and drank well, he just paid attention and didn't think much about it. He didn't expect that his old man would really leave so suddenly.
Ning Xu's eyes were red. The old man said that he had nothing to worry about anymore, so there was nothing to explain. There was indeed nothing to explain. Everything that should be divided in the family had been divided, and everything that should be arranged had been arranged.
Ministry of Revenue. Ning Zhiqi was a little bit unbelieving when he received the news. But looking at the red eyes of the servants at home, he had to believe that the grandpa really went there. He hurriedly rushed back with the servants without even asking for leave.
Zhou Shuren learned the news that Ning Zhiqi had left the Ministry of Revenue. Zhou Shuren was a little stunned. The old Duke who represented an era was really gone.
The retired emperor did not come today. When he and the empress dowager learned the news, they were playing chess.
After receiving the news, the Queen Mother panicked and the chessboard was overturned, and the chess pieces fell to the ground. Although she was panicked, she quickly calmed down and took the female official to change clothes.
The retired emperor remained silent, and finally sighed, then stood up to change his clothes, intending to go to the Duke's Mansion with his wife.
Xuehan changed her clothes quickly and then came to wait for her mother-in-law.
The journey from the academy to the Duke's Mansion is actually the slowest because the academy is farther away.
The carriage from Prince Qin's Palace arrived at the Duke's Palace. After the Queen Mother got off the carriage, she walked to the door but was a little afraid to go in. She regretted not leaving the palace to spend more time with her father.
There is another chapter tomorrow morning
(End of this chapter)