CHAPTER 1584: CHAPTER 1584 SHAMELESS

Zhou Shuren’s words fell, and the ministers in the hall were silent for two reasons: First, Zhou Shuren spoke the truth; he never actively schemed against people, and second, they all underestimated Zhou Shuren’s shamelessness.

Isn’t the normal reaction supposed to be scheming in private? This person dared to express his grievances in the hall and ask the Emperor to judge. Why didn’t they think of this!

Then they all fell silent. There are conditions for asking the Emperor to make a decision for such trivial matters in the hall. Firstly, you need the Emperor’s trust, then he’ll stand by you; secondly, you must have the ability and confidence.

So truly, not everyone can ask the Emperor to intervene, except for a few important ministers; other insignificant officials shouldn’t even dream of it.

The Emperor kept a straight face, this old fox clearly could scheme on his own, and his feelings were complex, "Marquis Zhou, don’t be agitated, speak slowly."

Zhou Shuren looked angry, "Emperor, yesterday someone stopped me from seeking justice. I knew making a scene on the street was not simple, but for the reputation of the imperial officials, I still got off the carriage."

After speaking, Zhou Shuren looked around, openly indicating that he’s doing it for everyone’s reputation.

Zhou Shuren continued, "If I ignore it, what will the common people think of the imperial officials? It’s already because of some people that officials have no good reputation among the people. If I simply walk away, won’t the reputation of the imperial officials hit rock bottom? If people don’t trust officials, how can they trust the imperial court, the Emperor, the state?"

Putting on a hat, he’s best at it.

Initially, the Emperor felt helpless, but he had to indulge him; Marquis Zhou was the pillar of the nation, and now listening, his face turned serious, "Marquis Zhou is quite right."

Rongchuan stepped forward urgently, "Mr. Hou has been wronged, I ask the Emperor to make a decision for Marquis Zhou."

The ministers, "..."

Has this called being wronged? Bah, they have endured much more, and Zhou Shuren is so shameless, really knows how to flaunt!

Zhou Shuren tutted twice secretly, just starting, noticing that Elder Wen seemed to want to eat him with his gaze, he secretly rolled his eyes.

Elder Wen, "!!"

Infuriated!

Prince Qi and Prince Chu, "..."

The two kept watching Zhou Shuren, and Zhou Shuren didn’t hide much, a lot of people saw it.

The Crown Prince tightly compressed his lips, he feared he might laugh out loud.

Then Zhou Shuren appeared more enraged, "Emperor, after getting off the carriage, I was very angry, I didn’t know if the grievance was real, but all I know is someone schemed against me, and treated me like a fool. The man stopping the carriage wore old clothes and looked poorly, but his shoes were clean, after traveling far to the capital, those shoes were too good."

He paused and continued, "Furthermore, I looked at the complaint paper, according to the man’s words, how could he afford such fine ink? The paper isn’t cheap either. The most interesting part, the paper used for the complaint happens to be the same batch recently purchased by my family; my wife told me this batch is currently supplied only to the capital."

Zhou Shuren allowed time for everyone to laugh before saying, "Some might think he bought it in the capital, let’s not discuss how expensive the paper is, just the ink isn’t ordinary; it’s not something a regular household can afford, my family only has a few pieces, and I’m very familiar with this specific ink, each costs over a hundred, tut tut, a ragged man, where did he get hundreds?"

Elder Wen’s expression brightened; it had to; the accusation was against a clan member of the Wen family. If he hadn’t disciplined his grandson strictly this year, it might have been his grandson accused. Thinking of this, Elder Wen’s gaze became complex. Why did he suddenly start strictly disciplining his grandson? Wasn’t it because Zhou Shuren had trapped his eldest grandson? He feared losing a few more.

Listening, the Emperor wanted to laugh, hadn’t he already experienced how meticulous Zhou Shuren could be? When he was Crown Prince, the salt tax was deduced similarly, "Marquis Zhou, don’t be upset. This matter will certainly be investigated thoroughly."

The Crown Prince marvels inwardly at Zhou Shuren’s exceptional caution.

Zhou Shuren wasn’t soothing, "I have more unsaid words. I believe those who plotted against me have sinister intentions; using me as a knife, not only cutting the Wen family but sowing discord between me and the Emperor. Although the Emperor doesn’t mind, small vulnerabilities can destroy a dam; my loyalty to the Emperor is as clear as sunlight and moonlight visible, I dare swear, my loyalty is to the nation!"

He couldn’t swear loyalty to the Emperor anymore but certainly loyalty to the country, loyalty to the people.

The Emperor moved, as Marquis Zhou had always delivered, "I am aware of it, Marquis Zhou, stand up quickly, I will make a decision for you."

Zhou Shuren was helped up by Prince Qin, because Prince Qin was his son-in-law.

Many ministers closed their eyes, not wanting to see the shameless Zhou Shuren.

The Crown Prince’s mind stirred; it wasn’t just targeting the Wen family, but also him, targeting the Empress, the Crown Prince tightly clenched his palm, good, very good.

Prince Qi and Prince Chu exchanged a glance; Prince Qi found today’s play entertaining, now everything was laid open. Just not knowing who schemed against Marquis Zhou, that would end up hurting themselves, certainly resulting in fractures.

Prince Chu regretted not pulling the old fox to his side earlier; having the old fox to help plan, let it be, not thinking about it anymore.

Rongchuan thought, he still had lots to learn, lots to learn, he was still too upright, not shameless enough.

After the morning assembly, Zhou Shuren waited for the Emperor to leave, nowhere were there traces of fury anymore, he walked briskly to Elder Wen, "Old man, when are you sending the silver to my residence?"

Elder Wen’s originally decent expression instantly turned cold, but Zhou Shuren was indeed fair today. Although Zhou Shuren was establishing authority for himself, he truly helped the Wen family, "It will be delivered to the Hou Residence today."

Zhou Shuren knew the old man would show some gesture, he was delighted, and added, "It’s good for big families to have strict family rules, may you be more mindful in the future."

Elder Wen, "!!"

Zhou Shuren finished speaking and turned to leave; Rongchuan’s shoulders moved; if not for the inappropriate occasion, he really wanted to laugh.

Zhou Shuren swaggered as he flicked his official sleeves and walked outside, the others exchanged looks, expressing indescribable feelings they could convey through the mutual glance.

Rongchuan didn’t evade much, "Father, who do you think schemed against you?"

Zhou Shuren heard and saw many people listening intently, "What? You want to vent your anger for father?"

Rongchuan hooked the corners of his mouth, "You won’t be coming to need me to vent your anger, but anyone bullying you is bullying me."

Zhou Shuren warmed up inside, "Good, that’s your filial piety."

The casual demeanor made everyone envious, this was the intimacy only found between father and son. Oh, over time, they almost forgot, Prince Qin was raised by Marquis Zhou.

Wong Ju had been dumbfounded, finally recovered and caught up, "You really don’t know who did it?"

Zhou Shuren didn’t guess who specifically, but "limited to a few families."

Wong Ju murmured, "All grown up."

Zhou Shuren thought it was due to the Empress’s poor health that led to the restlessness; the Empress is vital to the country.

Rongchuan was also considering several princes; as the Emperor’s legitimate brother, several princes were eyeing him closely; he had encountered them multiple times, even if not seeing him, they’d try to get acquainted with his son.

Zhou Shuren laughed and said, "Do you all think this time, moving stones to smash one’s foot will cause fracture?"