CHAPTER 1552: CHAPTER 1552: SECRET

Chang Yi’s expression turned sour, "The Liu family is getting a bargain."

Zhulan chuckled lightly, "The better off the Liu family is, the better it is for Yu Die. Yu Shuang and Yu Die are sisters, the Liu family won’t behave disgracefully, and Liufeng won’t be greedy for credit, so stop being sour."

Chang Yi was just unwilling to accept it; he wanted his son-in-law to have the best, not to want the son-in-law anymore, "Ming Rui has never missed a lesson when he goes to the estate to teach the orphans. He really enjoys teaching and nurturing."

Zhulan also noticed that every time Ming Rui returned from the estate, he seemed to have transcended, his eyes bright and radiant, "If he likes it, let him choose for himself."

Chang Yi smiled, "It’s good for this child to go to the Ministry of Rites."

Zhulan looked at Chang Yi, "Let’s talk about it when the time comes. Ming Rui is still young."

Having outstanding children is also worrisome. Even if the family were to split in the future, Ming Rui would still bear the surname Zhou. He has outstanding brothers above him and uncles who are progressing, and the resources given by the Royal family to the Zhou family are only so much. Hoping for every child to hold high positions is dreaming even during the day.

Zhulan felt sorry for Ming Rui; this child was so sensible, already planning choices for his future.

Zhulan didn’t want to talk about the grandson anymore, asking, "Keqi has been staying at your estate for a few days, should you bring him back? There’s no reason to have guests stay at the estate."

Chang Yi touched his nose, "I asked him to come back, but he said the estate is good. You know the rules of the Hou Residence are strict, and he’s not comfortable living there. On the estate, there are people from the Zhao clan, even though they are not blood-related, with Qiu Niang there, they get along well."

Zhulan, upon hearing this, didn’t insist, "This child has been living alone; indeed, he’s accustomed to freedom."

Chang Yi said, "He is also engaged. When he returns from this educational journey, he will get married. I will provide part of the bride price."

"That’s appropriate. You’ve been looking after this child all along; send the residence’s gifts together at that time."

Chang Yi, "Mm."

At Qin Prince Residence, Rongchuan was chatting with his third uncle, "It’s been so cold lately, third uncle, take care of your health, don’t catch a cold."

His third uncle came to the Prince Residence every day to see Xiaxia. He was genuinely worried about his uncle’s health.

Ning Xu had grandchildren, which was everything, "I’m in good health, Xiaxia is well, I eat well and sleep well."

Rongchuan, "I was worried about Xiaxia’s health, but despite the cold weather, he didn’t get sick. This child’s health has improved a lot."

"It’s all worth the effort of nurturing him. When he gets a little older, his body will be even stronger."

By then, he could take the child back. Alas, now the Ning Duke Residence felt cold and deserted. At his age, he wasn’t inclined to find concubines; the concubines lived a retirement-like life, making the residence even more dull.

Rongchuan asked, "I didn’t go to see Ning Ming after coming from the palace; is Ning Ming alright?"

"That child is well-prepared and determined. He’s fine, you don’t need to worry."

Rongchuan thought of Xue Han’s words and asked with a smile, "Is the Yu family still causing trouble?"

Ning Xu’s eyes showed sarcasm, "Causing trouble, why wouldn’t they? The Yu family is increasingly declining; there are no competent figures left, and the family estate is nearly ruined. They wouldn’t miss the opportunity with Ning Ming."

Rongchuan raised an eyebrow, "Didn’t uncle intervene?"

Ning Xu, "Children need to grow up. Besides, it’s Ning Ming’s maternal family; leave it to Ning Ming. If he can’t handle this matter, he shouldn’t seek a career, just live as a wealthy gentleman to avoid derailing this lineage."

Rongchuan thought for a moment and said, "My father won’t agree to have Ning Ming as a son-in-law."

Ning Xu, "I knew that long ago. However, you could share some news with me. A while back, why did the Retired Emperor invite your father to the palace?"

Rongchuan didn’t know either. He thought the emperor brother would tell him, but he didn’t, and neither did the father or father-in-law. Shaking his head, "I don’t know."

Ning Xu’s eyes showed disappointment. He was the highest ranking in the Ning family now. Although he had Rongchuan’s son as security, he didn’t want to be marginalized. He sensed that the imperial family was increasingly valuing Zhou Shuren, patting Rongchuan’s shoulder, "You suffered, but it might turn around for the better; you have a good father-in-law."

Rongchuan thought so too. In the Father’s mind, the empire was most important. With the Crown Prince established, his place in the Father’s mind was further back, while in the father-in-law’s mind, his standing remained unchanged.

In the evening, Zhulan spoke to Zhou Shuren about the Empress’s intentions, "The Empress is laying out her plans bit by bit."

Zhou Shuren paused his reading, "It can only mean the Empress’s situation is dire."

Zhulan also guessed this, "The Crown Prince’s grand marriage will take time."

"Heh, if the Empress is smart, she should delay the Crown Prince’s marriage as much as possible."

"The times are not good, delaying the marriage is indeed better. After all, the Emperor is in his prime and not in a hurry for grandchildren."

Zhou Shuren said worriedly, "In these troubled times, if we weren’t continuously developing the Navy and securing sea routes to deter surrounding nations, there would be disturbances not just on the Dongbei border."

Zhulan worriedly said, "Envoys from various countries are in the capital to buy grain, while the Imperial court also lacks grain."

Zhou Shuren put down his book, "Tomorrow, Pinggang’s Navy will use cannons to welcome the ambassadors."

"?"

"To intimidate the ambassadors with ulterior motives, showing them the power and range of advanced cannons."

Last year’s state treasury was tight, yet he never petitioned to cut back on gunpowder research. Absolute military might is a discourse right.

Zhulan hadn’t heard this from Chang Yi, "Chang Yi doesn’t know?"

Zhou Shuren nodded, "He doesn’t know. He’ll find out when he gets to Pinggang."

"Still a low official rank, huh."

Zhou Shuren laughed lightly, "Even those with high ranks only a few know; it’s the Emperor’s trust."

Zhulan smiled at the corners of her mouth, "Yes, yes, who else but Marquis Zhou can stabilize the country; you are most valued by the Royal family."

Zhou Shuren touched his nose, "The pressure is high."

Zhulan stopped smiling too; it was a double-edged sword, offering advantages and disadvantages alike.

Next day, Chang Xhong didn’t go to the Academy because he got news that the fourth Prince was coming. The message was delivered early in the morning, and Chang Xhong sent someone to invite Lu Jia Qing from the Qin Prince Residence.

Lu Jia Qing had frostbitten areas on his face, "What is the young master calling me for?"

Chang Xhong, "I find it hard to invite you now."

Lu Jia Qing, feeling embarrassed, "I just joined the Qin Prince Residence and am following the Guard leader; I can’t leave the residence often."

Chang Xhong shook his head, "You said you’ve apprenticed under someone. Why not just stay beside Shen Xing, but you insist on going to the Qin Prince Residence. You’re so young; look, your face is frostbitten. You’ve been standing guard recently, right?"

Lu Jia Qing, "This is training, and it was agreed upon from the start to go to the Qin Prince Residence. I am not one to go back on my word."

Chang Xhong didn’t reveal Lu Jia Qing’s intention; this man had secrets. The Qin Prince Residence was not easy to enter, nor would it accept someone so young. Lu Jia Qing saw a shortcut to rise from a martial path in the Qin Prince Residence, which was exactly his intention.

Chang Xhong gestured for Lu Jia Qing to sit, then lay back without decorum, "Today is a good thing for you, the fourth Prince is coming to the residence."

Lu Jia Qing was stunned for a moment, pursing his lips, "Thank you."

Chang Xhong waved his hand, his gaze sharp, "If you ever jeopardize the Zhou family, I will show no mercy."

Lu Jia Qing earnestly said, "I will never harm the Zhou family."

He only aimed to right wrongs for his mother, to avenge his mother.