Chapter 756 Suspicion
The emperor was calculating in his heart. Xiao Qing hadn't said anything yet. His eyes fell on the ministers in the court. He thought of the merchants in the capital. The Xu family donated money well and on point. When the army returned to the city, he saw all the ministers looking at him. "It is indeed rewarded. The Xu family made contributions last year. This year, they donated money to the court to solve the shortage of silver in the national treasury. The emperor ordered that the grandchildren of the Xu family be allowed to participate in the imperial examination."
All the ministers in the court were silent. Ah, there was a precedent. Now the person is in the Hanlin Academy. This is a blessing for the Xu family, a merchant family.
Zhou Shuren knew it would be this kind of reward, a reward of gold and silver. The Xu family took 500,000 taels. It was not just gold and silver, but a reward for the prince's calligraphy. The emperor would certainly not be willing to write it. The emperor's calligraphy sometimes has a great effect, so it can only be an opportunity to change the family.
This did not cause any loss to the emperor, and he even got 500,000 taels for free. No, it was more than 500,000 taels. Too many people, including scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, wanted to change their allegiance. Well, his secret operation was good. The Ministry of Revenue had money this time, so he was no longer afraid of a major flood in the south of the Yangtze River.
Xiao Qing, "The Emperor is Wise and Enlightened."
Then they all called out to the emperor for his wisdom.
Xiao Qing took another step forward and said, "Although I realized it a little late, I am still willing to donate silver. I will donate one thousand taels to do my part for the court."
The ministers in the court, "......"
Therefore, we must not let the Minister of Revenue speak on his own initiative, because once he speaks, it will be a big deal.
The first-rank ministers were silent, but the second-rank ministers of the Ministry of Revenue had to take more than one thousand taels.
The other five ministers of the six ministries all looked unhappy. One thousand taels was a considerable sum. Even though they usually spent money generously to buy antiques and ancient books, they could not see any return and were cheated out of their donations. Not only did they feel uncomfortable, they also wanted to eat Xiao Qing.
Zhou Shuren calculated his own rank, from the third rank, no, it should be considered the third rank, who let him temporarily hold a third rank official position? He was silent, there was not much money left in the family!
Several princes were really vomiting blood. They had just been cheated by the Ministry of Revenue, and now they were cheated again. Princes, although they have not been made kings yet, they also have news that their father intends to make them kings. Otherwise, they would not have tried so hard to show their filial piety. This money is not easy to get!
The second prince stared at the crown prince, then stole a glance at his father. His father's smile was the same as usual, but he could feel that his father was really happy. If he were the father, he would be happy today too.
But the problem is, he is not the father, he is the second prince, and there is a crown prince above him. Looking back at the third brother, well, with the third brother as a comparison, he feels a little more comfortable.
Zhang Jingshi glared at his second brother, telling him to stop looking. He knew he was in the worst situation, having spent two hundred thousand and losing his collection. He tried to find joy in misery as a way of honoring his father, and his father could see how careful he was.
But the prince's actions today, okay, the limelight has been stolen by the prince.
The fourth prince Zhang Jingxi remained silent. They were all jumping up and down, but the crown prince was the winner.
The emperor saw everyone's expressions and then spoke: "My dear minister, you have the heart to contribute to the court. I am very touched. However, not all officials have family backgrounds. I will not say anything to those who have family backgrounds. For those who don't, just donate money. Everyone should do what they can. My dear minister Xiao, you must check carefully."
Xiao Qing said solemnly: "I will definitely check it carefully."
Zhou Shuren raised his head and felt emotional. He didn't expect the emperor to consider so many things. He thought he would make a one-size-fits-all decision. He agreed with the emperor even more.
The emperor continued, "The emperor and his subjects are of one mind. I will also donate 100,000 taels of silver, which will be sent to the Ministry of Revenue later."
He had prepared this 100,000 taels a long time ago, as it was to provide a guarantee for the Ministry of Revenue. Although the Ministry of Revenue no longer lacked silver, he now had a better reason to send the silver, which would win people's hearts more than sending it secretly!
At this time, there was no need for Xiao Qing to take the lead, as everyone shouted "Long live the emperor".
After the court session, Zhou Shuren walked away with Lord Xiao. Those who had been surrounding Lord Xiao to ask for money yesterday would now snort when they passed by.
Xiao Qing blew his beard and said, "Look at their attitude. They still have the nerve to grumble to me. I haven't even asked them for money yet, and I'm still grumbling. When I go back, I'll be in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and no one can expect money."
Zhou Shuren, "Sir, let's go back quickly. The money delivery will arrive soon."
Xiao Qing smiled again, "Yes, let's go back."
Unfortunately, Zhou Shuren couldn't go back. A young eunuch stopped him and said, "Sir Zhou, the Crown Prince wants to see you."
Zhou Shuren was full of questions, "Prince?"
"Yes, the prince is in the pavilion in front. Please come this way, sir."
Zhou Shuren didn't recognize the young eunuch, but Xiao Qing did. "Go!"
Zhou Shuren was relieved. With Lord Xiao in charge, there should be no problem. "Sir, I will go to see the prince. You can go back first!"
Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Okay."
As for why the prince went to find Zhou Shuren, he was not curious. To them, the old ministers who were the emperor's confidants, as long as the prince remained stable and did not commit suicide, he would definitely be the next emperor.
Zhou Shuren arrived at the pavilion and saw that the prince was indeed there. "Your Highness."
Zhang Jingchen stood by the pavilion, looking at the lake, "Master Zhou, the mistress of the Xu family went to the Zhou residence yesterday. I heard that she got two good paintings. I also like painting. Do I have a chance to appreciate them?"
Zhou Shuren knew in his heart that the prince was suspicious of his actions behind his back. If the prince didn't have doubts, then there would be a problem. Anyway, he would never admit it. He smiled and said, "The prince should have seen this painting. One was given by the Ning Mansion, and the other was bought from the painting house. This one was bought by Ning Houye with Chang Lian and Rong Chuan. The Hanlin Academy was on vacation, and his wife went to the painting house but didn't buy any paintings. As a filial gift, the son gave the painting in the room to his wife."
The painting was indeed taken from the third room, and this time it could not be exchanged. When he returned, he would give Chang Lian a copy of the ancient books in his collection.
The prince listened and found that this was consistent with the information he had obtained. Lord Zhou's wife did go to the painting house but did not buy any paintings. It seemed that the family did not have enough money. At the beginning of the year, the Zhou family invested a large sum of money in the Northeast.
The prince didn't believe it completely, but Zhou Shuren was a very cunning man with great abilities. He had only been at the Ministry of Revenue for a short time when the Ministry of Revenue had money. "Well, it's windy, it's going to rain, so I'm going back."
Zhou Shuren lowered his head and said, "I respectfully send you off, Prince."
Zhang Jingchen took two steps and stopped, "Master Zhou, please take good care of yourself."
Having said that, he left quickly.
Zhou Shuren raised his head when the footsteps faded away. A light breeze blew past, making him feel cool. He had always felt that the prince seemed to be thinking about him, and this time his feeling was right. He should take good care of his body and continue working for the royal family. No, no, he would retire after his son got up. Bah, he didn't want to work himself to death.