Chapter 1744: Chapter 1744: Calculating with My Fingers

As the year-end approaches, officials happily take their holiday after receiving bonuses. However, Zhou Shuren’s bonus barely warms his hand before he gives it to his youngest son.

Zhulan stretches out her hand, “You’re always thinking about your youngest son, not even mentioning buying me a gift with your bonus.”

Zhou Shuren reaches into his chest pocket and pulls out a bracelet, “I saved up Silver to buy this.”

Zhulan has plenty of jewelry, both custom-made and self-designed, each exquisite, but she particularly likes the ones Shuren gives her, “Does it look good?”

Zhou Shuren gazes at his wife’s wrist, chubby and fair; he doesn’t see much beauty in the wrist but sees the bracelet beautifully accentuated, “Yeah, it looks good.”

Zhulan snorts, “I know you don’t really think that.”

Zhou Shuren grins, “Whatever you wear looks good.”

Zhulan takes off the bracelet and puts it away, “Yesterday, the Huxia Residence sent an invitation; they’re coming to visit you tomorrow.”

Zhou Shuren, “They’re coming early this year.”

Zhulan hears from her second daughter-in-law, “This year they’re not planning to stay in the capital for the New Year; they’re saying they’ll spend some days at their estate.”

Zhou Shuren hears this, “Are they avoiding something?”

Zhulan chuckles, “Probably.”

This year, there have been significant shifts in positions within the Ministry of Works, with numerous officials arriving in the capital, waiting for the New Year visit!

Zhou Shuren feels a bit hungry, “Let’s eat first.”

“Alright, today there’s your favorite pork rib and lotus root soup.”

Zhou Shuren raises an eyebrow, “I’ll have an extra bowl then.”

Zhulan laughs, “A lot of lotus came from the south; it’s enough for a few days.”

“That’s great. Let’s have a hot pot tomorrow. Do we have beef tallow at home?”

“Do you want a beef tallow hot soup pot?”

Zhou Shuren is tempted, “Yes.”

At the Ministry of Revenue, he eats food that nourishes his body. It’s delicious but tends to be bland. As he ages, he prefers stronger flavors.

Zhulan finds Shuren’s eager look amusing, “Alright, I’ll arrange it for you tomorrow.”

The maid brings in the dishes, and the two of them eat dinner slowly, taking more than half an hour to finish.

The next day, Hu Xia arrives punctually, fearing he’d come too early before Mr. Hou wakes up. Upon arrival, Mr. Hou is drinking fruit tea, whose fragrance is quite pleasant.

The glass teapot clearly displays dried fruits inside; Mrs. Hou truly enjoys life.

Zhou Shuren gestures for Hu Xia to sit, “Make yourself at home, pour tea for yourself.”

Hu Xia listens and feels content; this implies Mr. Hou doesn’t regard him as an outsider, “It smells delightful.”

Zhou Shuren also enjoys it, “I heard you plan to spend the New Year at the estate?”

Hu Xia sighs, “Over the years, you’ve protected me, allowing me to navigate the Ministry of Works smoothly. While there are things I can’t achieve, at least I won’t be troubles for you.”

He purely benefits from the blessing of his nephew; otherwise, he wouldn’t be connected to the Marquis Zhou Residence.

Zhou Shuren has always liked people who understand the situation; Hu Xia is one, as is Gu Zhuomin. “Staying at the estate does offer peace.”

Hu Xia knows he’s made the right choice, “Several newcomers at the Ministry of Works have quite a few thoughts.”

Zhou Shuren doesn’t plan to continue questioning; it’s not worth his distraction, “If you dislike it, just return; there’s nothing to fear.”

Hu Xia smiles, “Yes.”

Zhou Shuren mentions Liufeng, “Liufeng wrote back to say he’s doing well.”

He has gauged the situation, and for now, there’s no movement. The only hassle is being known as the Marquis Residence’s granddaughter-in-law, leading to many social engagements.

Hu Xia knows it’s hard for him to rise, and for the future, his son relies on his nephew, smilingly saying, “The child has grown a lot.”

“These years have been a trial of endurance.”

Hu Xia leaves after sitting for a while; coincidentally, as he steps out to board the carriage, he encounters Chang Xhong returning from outside.

Chang Xhong steps forward, “Mr. Hu.”

Hu Xia responds, “Little Young Master just returned?”

“Yes, Mr. Hu, I have something to ask you.”

Hu Xia is puzzled, “What does the young master wish to ask?”

Chang Xhong nearly asks but then swallows his words with a smile, “No need. I’ll ask my father when I return.”

Hu Xia doesn’t think much, “There isn’t anything in the capital that Mr. Hou doesn’t know.”

Chang Xhong watches the Hu family carriage leave, then turns back inside, thinking to let Wu Jia Qing investigate.

The young servant knows a lot, “Does the young master want to ask about the An family?”

Chang Xhong, “You know too much.”

“I am the young master’s servant.”

Chang Xhong gives a sidelong glance, and the servant tightly shuts his mouth, satisfying Chang Xhong as he heads to the main courtyard.

Zhou Shuren hasn’t been reading long before seeing his son return, “Who did you meet today?”

Chang Xhong leans casually, “I suppose someone arranged to meet me.”

“Prince Qin?”

Chang Xhong shakes his head, “Wu Shangheng arranged to meet me and introduced me to a few people.”

Zhou Shuren asks casually, putting down his book upon hearing this, “Who did he introduce?”

Chang Xhong points southward, “Noble family young masters from the south; coincidentally, they’re not traveling together, but their aim is the capital.”

Zhou Shuren realizes, “Coming to gather information.”

“Seeing is believing; I calculate some will be in trouble.”

Zhou Shuren picks up his book again, “Don’t go out these days.”

Chang Xhong indeed plans to stay home, “Father, you should teach me your ways during you’re home.”

“You still need my guidance?”

His son’s level is self-sufficient.

Chang Xhong rises and leans beside his father, “I want to spend more time with you.”

Zhou Shuren moves his shoulders slightly, “You don’t know how to care for your father; get up, you’re pressing my shoulders uncomfortably.”

“Let me massage your shoulders.”

“That’s better.”

Eldest Zhou comes in and sees the fatherly affection, despite his age, he envies it, “Father, a letter from third brother has arrived.”

Zhou Shuren reaches out and takes it, the letter says Lady Dong’s pregnancy looks stable, and the servants sent have been quite helpful, also expressing regret for not accompanying parents for the New Year.

Chang Xhong also peeks at it, “Third brother has it tough.”

Zhou Shuren puts down the letter, “Which of your brothers doesn’t have it tough?”

Chang Xhong responds instantly, “Fourth brother.”

Zhou Shuren, “Nonsense.”

Every son in the family has contributed and worked hard, with different struggles behind it all.

At Qin Prince Residence, Xue Han brings back her younger son for a short stay, not taking her eyes off her son, making Xiaxia feel embarrassed.

Rongchuan notices his son’s flushed ears and lifts him up, “Look, your son feels shy.”

Xue Han finally withdraws her gaze, “Xiaxia has gained a lot of weight; uncle has indeed put in effort.”

Rongchuan recalls picking up the child, his uncle’s eager gaze, “Xiaxia is uncle’s treasure.”

Xue Han is grateful to her uncle, who has cared well for Xiaxia, “Will you come over for New Year this year?”

She hesitates to send her son back.

Rongchuan shakes his head, “You forget we need to enter the palace.”

Xue Han feels discomfort; since her mother’s death, entering the palace no longer feels warm, she doesn’t enjoy it unless necessary. This year’s New Year’s dinner is unappetizing!

Lin Xi and Zeze walk in with smiles, Lin Xi hands the gift to her younger brother, “Sister and Brother have gone to get gifts for Xiaxia, does Xiaxia like it?”

Xiaxia’s eyes are large, and his bright eyes full of excitement focus on the gift, “I like it.”