CHAPTER 1583: CHAPTER 1583: PLEASE THE EMPEROR TO DECIDE

Zhou Shuren’s smile never reached his eyes as he stood listening to the man’s grievances. From time to time, he interrupted with questions. See, he asked so thoroughly that no one could claim he was perfunctory, leaving no room for gossip.

Chang Yi turned his head to look at his father, feeling an overwhelming admiration. If it were him, he would have sent the man to the proper place to file his grievance long ago, instead of wasting so much time here.

Once the man was looking dejected, Zhou Shuren stopped asking questions and signaled Jin Yan to take the petition from the man’s hand. Zhou Shuren examined it closely, feeling the paper and touching the ink, before finally looking again at the man’s attire, particularly focusing on his shoes, with a slight curl of his lips.

Zhou Shuren nodded to Jin Yan, then handed the petition to him and turned to board the carriage.

The man was dumbfounded. Wait, why did Mr. Hou leave?

The surrounding onlookers were also baffled. Mr. Hou asked such detailed questions, they thought he would personally help address the grievance. Why did he leave without a word? Some people looked at the petition; perhaps there was an issue with it?

No one dared to question, after all, this was Marquis Zhou, the Emperor’s most trusted loyal minister, and Zhou Hou’s reputation was impeccable. The people remembered his accomplishments, and naturally, their hearts leaned toward Zhou Hou.

The man grew anxious, "Mr. Hou."

Zhou Shuren didn’t say a word and was already on the carriage. Chang Yi’s eyes shone brighter, especially when he heard the gossiping voices, deeply feeling the gap between him and his father.

Jin Yan spoke out, "Let’s go, I’ll take you to the proper place to file your grievance."

The man didn’t want to leave, but unfortunately, he was already taken aside. Jin Yan gestured for the coachman to drive the carriage. Seeing the man still trying to resist, Jin Yan said, "Our Mr. Hou has been unable to rest for a long time because of the grain issues. It’s rare for him to finish at the government office early, and he’s really tired. Mr. Hou wants to help, but he cannot overstep his bounds. Let’s go."

When the people heard this, their hearts leaned even more toward Zhou Hou. Being the Minister of Revenue is not easy, especially in these times. Moreover, Zhou Hou had already sent someone to notify the officials. What else could this man be dissatisfied with?

Back home, after entering the house, Chang Yi signaled the servants not to follow before he spoke, "Father, whose handiwork is this, do you think?"

He also leaned in to read the petition, which accused a member of the Wen family, each word written in blood and tears, detailing a massive grievance.

Zhou Shuren, with his hands behind his back, said, "Our Hou Residence is not a knife for others to wield. Anyone who schemes must pay the price."

Chang Yi pursed his lips, "Father, since it’s a scheme, why did you still let Jin Yan send him over?"

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "Because I want to stir up something bigger. The man’s grievances were clearly stated in the street, and it won’t be long before it’s spread throughout the capital. Tsk, Tsk, Old Master Wen is not foolish."

Chang Yi decided not to return to his courtyard, following his father to the main courtyard. Zhou Shuren twitched his mouth, "Aren’t you going back to change into your official robe? Why are you following me?"

Chang Yi replied, "I want to ask Father about your next plan."

Zhou Shuren ignored his son, "Think for yourself."

Zhulan was surprised, "What are you two talking about?"

Zhou Shuren recounted what happened on the street without dismissing the servants this time. After he finished, he summarized, "This is no small matter."

Zhulan was speechless. How could this be a small matter when grievances are shouted in the street, and it even stopped Shuren? "This isn’t good."

If this starts, it will never end, and Zhou Shuren doesn’t handle cases.

Zhou Shuren smiled, "Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Zhulan stopped asking, gesturing for him to change into his official robe, then sending their son back, finally instructing the maid to serve the meal.

Chang Yi knew his father wouldn’t say more. Feeling somewhat dejected, he lowered his head and left, saying to his personal young servant, "I am too far behind my father."

The young servant didn’t know how to respond and remained silent.

Chang Yi chuckled, his tone becoming invigorated again, "Nobody can easily outplay my father."

The grievance shouted in the street spread quickly, and everyone who needed to know soon knew. They were all cunning like foxes, able to see that there was definitely a scheme behind it.

There were numerous grievance cases, but who truly dared to stop the carriage from the Hou Residence?

Late at night, when all was quiet, Shuren and Zhulan finally discussed it. Zhulan’s mind had been racing, and she whispered, "They’re using the Hou Residence as a tool, aiming to scheme against the Crown Prince, with the real target being the Empress!"

The Empress’s health isn’t good, and she’s been resting quietly. This is to prevent her from recovering!

Zhou Shuren said, "If something were to happen to the Empress because of me, do you think the Crown Prince would resent it? Even if he doesn’t think much of it now, what about later when he reminisces about the Empress? Using me as a tool and scheming against me, huh."

Zhulan hadn’t thought this far, but now she realized that the Emperor was known for being capricious and vindictive.

Zhou Shuren gestured to his wife not to be angry, "Those who dare to scheme against me must be prepared to face the consequences."

"Mm."

At the following morning’s court session, Zhou Shuren was once again at the center. The scrutinizing gazes never ceased.

The Emperor and Crown Prince ascended to the court, their eyes first falling on Zhou Shuren.

Zhou Shuren’s expression remained as usual. He was used to being the center of attention, standing silently.

When the government affairs were nearly concluded, Zhou Shuren stepped forward, "This minister has something to report."

The Emperor was slightly taken aback. He genuinely didn’t see the street grievance as a big deal, even if there was a scheme behind it, he only needed to look at the outcome, so he hadn’t intended to inquire further.

All eyes converged. Many old foxes were stunned. Surely, Marquis Zhou, the wily old fox, wasn’t foolish enough to truly act on a grievance?

With such thoughts, everyone looked at Old Master Wen. Given Zhou Hou’s detailed inquiries on the street, the grievance was well known and difficult to ignore, oh dear, Old Master Wen’s face turned green.

The Emperor spoke, "What does Marquis Zhou have to report?"

Zhou Shuren knelt down, "This minister asks the Emperor to make a decision."

With these words, the ministers were even more bewildered. Surely, was this really Zhou Hou?

The Emperor’s face darkened slightly, clearly feeling that Zhou Shuren shouldn’t raise grievances in court, and the Crown Prince was also bewildered.

Zhou Shuren listened to the murmurs, doing it on purpose. After a while, he continued, "This minister asks the Emperor to make a decision for me. I have served the Imperial court diligently for many years. Without boasting of my achievements, I can say that I’ve been loyal to the Emperor and the people. Today, I ask the Emperor to make a decision."

Once again, everyone was puzzled. Wait, not a grievance? Then for what decision?

The Emperor was also bewildered, wondering who had offended Zhou Shuren recently. He turned to look at the Crown Prince, inquiring with his eyes.

The Crown Prince was just as confused; who in the capital dared to offend Marquis Zhou? The Emperor’s fondness was quite clear. He slightly shook his head, indicating he didn’t know.

With a gentle tone, the Emperor spoke, unsure of the extent of Zhou Shuren’s grievance, "Marquis Zhou, speak clearly. I will certainly see justice served for you."

Prince Qi and Prince Chu exchanged glances; they attended court just knowing today there would be a spectacle.

Zhou Shuren was waiting for this assurance. He took a Zhezi from his bosom, handed it to Eunuch Zhang, who came down to receive it, and then said, "Your Majesty, this minister has been schemed against. Though my words are harsh, I never initiate matters. Since when have I ever schemed against anyone first? I ask the Emperor to make a decision for me."