Chapter 1742: Chapter 1742: Talented Commander

Zhou Shuren lowered his hand, no longer staring at his son, and turned to ask, “You finally have a break, and you’re actually in the mood to stroll around?”

Li Zhao noticed Marquis Zhou acting as if nothing was amiss, knowing he was teasing him, and pointed to a nearby tea house, “Shall I treat you to tea?”

“Alright.”

The two of them went to the tea house. Zhou Shuren changed into informal clothes at the Ministry of Revenue to avoid attracting attention.

They ordered a pot of good tea and some nuts and snacks.

Zhou Shuren wasn’t in much of a talking mood, munching on the snacks silently, occasionally looking out the window.

Li Zhao, after a moment of thought, guessed a bit, “Is Old Master Wang unwell?”

Zhou Shuren lowered the snack he was holding, “Yes.”

Li Zhao sighed, acknowledging the illnesses that come with old age, “It happens to everyone eventually.”

Zhou Shuren didn’t know if he could reach Old Master Wang’s state, and not wanting to discuss it, asked, “You haven’t told me why you’re in the street today?”

Li Zhao responded, “Had an appointment in the morning.”

He didn’t say with whom.

Zhou Shuren didn’t press further and instead pointed at the teapot, “Drank so much tea, and you can still drink more?”

Li Zhao rolled his eyes, “Sometimes, I really dislike your comments.”

Zhou Shuren felt a bit better, “There is a reward this year-end.”

The Emperor mentioned it, fearing he would be too stingy to distribute the Silver, and persuaded him for quite some time, though he grudgingly acknowledged it had to be given this year.

Li Zhao asked, “How much?”

Zhou Shuren replied, “Equivalent to three months of salary based on official rank.”

Li Zhao calculated, “Ow, you’re really generous this time.”

Zhou Shuren was also feeling the pinch, “The Crown Prince has a legitimate eldest son, making the Emperor happy.”

Li Zhao stroked his beard, “Indeed, fortune from confiscating households.”

If it weren’t for the confiscated wealth, the Emperor wouldn’t have been so generous.

Zhou Shuren said, “And the contributions from the Duke of Yongan’s residence.”

Li Zhao chuckled, “Yes, yes, and half of the Duke Residence’s wealth. Tsk, tsk, the old Duke was indeed greedy. Leave a line for retreat; he crossed the border like a locust.”

The tone was full of sarcasm.

Zhou Shuren thought it was indeed like scraping the land. The half wealth of the Duke Residence made a deep impression on the Emperor, taking so much wealth and gaining a title, yet forgetting the Retired Emperor, who gave you everything, “Now everyone knows the Duke Residence is wealthy.”

Li Zhao thought about the newspaper, which specifically left a section to write about the Duke Residence donating half its estate, inhaling sharply, “Quite ruthless.”

The Silver came from Jiangnan, and with the Emperor announcing it as such slow torture, the newspaper gave the noble families of Jiangnan the signal, oh, even the Duke Residence couldn’t avoid it, grudges suppressed for years can now be avenged.

Zhou Shuren had no sympathy for the Duke Residence. The Duke ensured life by donating half, but the Emperor wouldn’t let it go; if he had donated everything straightforwardly, even the Emperor couldn’t touch him, having to accept it reluctantly.

Zhou Shuren and Li Zhao chatted for an hour before parting, and Zhou Shuren felt significantly better.

At the Hou Residence, Zhulan was meeting Jiang Ling and Shao Xun. The two were officially engaged at an academy, and today Miss Jiang personally delivered the annual gifts, bringing Shao Xun along.

Shao Xun was reserved, though he was familiar with the Hou Residence’s young master, it was his first visit to the Hou Residence.

Zhulan gestured for them to sit, “You both came personally, in such cold weather.”

Jiang Ling said, “With a carriage to block the wind, it isn’t cold. You’ve always taken care of a young girl like me. It’s only right for me to deliver it personally.”

Zhulan gestured to Qing Xue to bring over the prepared list, “It’s fortunate you came, so I don’t have to send it separately.”

Jiang Ling received the list, “Thank you, Madam, for keeping a young girl like me in mind.”

Zhulan liked Miss Jiang, “Stay and have a meal with me.”

Jiang Ling agreed with a smile. She had always worked to maintain the Hou Residence relationship for herself, and now engaged, she needed to maintain it even more for her fiancé. Knowing the lady liked her straightforwardness, she continued to act with sincerity.

After the meal, Jiang Ling and Shao Xun left the Hou Residence and returned to the carriage. Jiang Ling looked at the list, filled with rare foods and some books, “Take a look.”

Shao Xun felt embarrassed, “I won’t look.”

It was only after their engagement that he found out his fiancée had a large estate and shops, and also learned why she hurt her eyes. He had always admired her determination, and knowing the reason increased his admiration.

Jiang Ling smiled, “There are books for you from the Madam here.”

“For me?”

Jiang Ling pointed at the gift list books, “These are for the imperial exams. I’m not taking any exams.”

Shao Xun’s eyes widened significantly, “I’ve benefited from your blessing.”

Jiang Ling didn’t see it that way. The Hou Residence looked out for her, not extending to Shao Xun. His attention probably came from Shao Ting, but she couldn’t say so.

The days flew by, and as the year-end approached, carriages delivering annual gifts didn’t catch much attention on the streets. After seeing so many, even the longest convoy didn’t stir curiosity.

On this day, Lin Xi came to the Hou Residence, followed by a young general. Zhulan saw and smiled, “Jia Qing is back.”

Lin Xi sat beside her grandmother, “Look at him, he’s changed so much.”

Zhulan carefully observed him, “He has indeed changed, grown taller and stronger.”

Lu Jia Qing bowed, “Greetings, Madam.”

Zhulan pointed to a chair, “Sit, no need for formality.”

Lu Jia Qing sat down, “Arrived in the capital yesterday, brought some furs for the Old Madam, nothing too valuable, just a token of my appreciation.”

Lin Xi chimed in, “His riding and archery are impressive. He competed with the guard leader from the Wang Residence yesterday. My father says he’s a born military general.”

Zhulan smiled, “Indeed, he already has the temperament of a general.”

And told Lu Jia Qing, “How could I not appreciate your token of thoughtfulness?”

Lu Jia Qing’s eyes curved with a smile as he was about to speak when Chang Xhong entered, “I could hardly recognize you; you’ve changed so much.”

Lu Jia Qing laughed, “You’ve changed quite a bit too.”

Chang Xhong said, “Only you are allowed to grow taller, huh?”

This year, his height shot up rapidly, and he was quite satisfied with his current stature.

Lu Jia Qing suggested, “How about we spar a bit later?”

Chang Xhong sat down and shook his head, “That would be bullying.”

He had often sent things to Lu Jia Qing, so he had heard many praises about him.

Lin Xi said, “Uncle, he’s very skilled now, you better not try it.”

Chang Xhong tutted twice, “Provoking won’t work.”

He knew his capabilities and wouldn’t go inviting trouble.

Zhulan saw the maid bringing fruit and invited, “Don’t just talk, have some fruit.”

Chang Xhong preferred frozen pears; in the dry heat of the room, eating frozen pears was more refreshing, and he motioned the maid to bring some over.

Zhulan remarked, “You’re just taking advantage of your youth to indulge.”

Chang Xhong chuckled, “Your son is a man; it’s fine.”

“But don’t eat too much cold stuff.”

A while later, Lady Li arrived, “Lin Xi is here.”

Lin Xi stood up, “Aunt.”

Zhulan asked, “You seem to have something on your mind?”

Lady Li nodded, “Yu Lu sent a message; Old Master Wang is not doing well.”

Zhulan understood, “Yu Lu’s parents-in-law have entered the capital, right?”

Lady Li replied, “It will take another day or two for them to arrive in the capital.”