CHAPTER 1755: CHAPTER 1755: ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE

Chang Xhong returned to the rented courtyard, which was not large. The young servant had found a woman from the village to clean it, and had bought grain, eggs, and other items from the village.

Chang Xhong said, "Go to the county town to buy a set of pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Buy more good paper, enough to write two copies of the Four Books."

The young servant didn’t understand, "Are you going to transcribe them, sir?"

"To give away."

After the young servant left, Chang Xhong took out his accustomed pen and ink to prepare some letters. Among the unsuccessful candidates, he met three people on his journey, two of whom had problems. The first was already discouraged and had long given up on studying; only Lau Mingsheng continued to persevere, and his character was quite good.

It was easy to investigate Lau Mingsheng’s situation; by tracing who suppressed him, it could be uncovered. Lau Mingsheng’s exam papers must have been swapped, and his results replaced.

They hadn’t even reached Chuanzhou Province yet, but the darkness under the imperial examination system was shocking, and the local noble families really could dominate.

Having finished the letter, Chang Xhong thought of what he saw in the Prefecture City. A young nobleman didn’t regard the city officials at all, all because this young man had an uncle in the capital who was an official.

Back in the capital, Zhou Shuren had no idea what Chang Zhi had seen and felt, as he was holding a child!

Yes, indeed, a soft child.

The Emperor watched with amusement, "Marquis Zhou has held children quite often at home. Look at how skilled his movements are."

Zhou Shuren said, "Indeed, I’ve held them quite a lot."

The Emperor asked, "Does this child resemble me greatly?"

Zhou Shuren thought the resemblance was only thirty percent; the child looked more like the Crown Prince. "Hmm, he does resemble you."

The Emperor snorted; the old fox only said he resembles, meaning not greatly resembling, and he reached out to take the child in his arms. "Today, you’ve met your future disciple. This child is entrusted to you."

Zhou Shuren had mixed feelings, such a young disciple, "I’ll strive to live a few more years."

The Emperor, looking at Zhou Shuren, was concerned, noticing how thin he was, "Can you eat more?"

"It’s a matter of constitution; I can’t blame anyone."

Not to mention how envious his wife was of him eating without gaining weight!

The Emperor returned the child to the Crown Prince, motioning him to take the child back. Only when the study room was empty did the Emperor say, "It’s been some time since I’ve summoned Gu Sheng. Your son tests the future son-in-law; I’ve added fuel to the fire."

Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes internally, "You clearly want to give the Duke of Yongan’s Residence some bargaining power."

So don’t expect me to be grateful!

The Emperor chuckled, "I knew you were aware of everything."

Zhou Shuren took a sip of tea, "We’ve nearly reached three years. Where does the Emperor want Zhuo Guyu to go? I must first express my stance: the Ministry of Revenue is not preparing to take in officials."

The Emperor said, "Don’t worry, I won’t throw troubles at you."

Zhou Shuren raised his eyes and stared directly at the Emperor, without speaking, but clearly expressing, Haven’t you thrown enough troubles my way?

The Emperor wasn’t embarrassed, "I’ve chosen a good place for him. How about the Ministry of Justice?"

Zhou Shuren set down his teacup and gave a thumbs-up, "Brilliant."

The Duke of Yongan’s Residence can only go down a transparent path, which is not easily walked; the Emperor has added both bargaining power and convenience.

The Emperor continued to smile, "In a few days, the Crown Prince will return to the Ministry of Justice, and he will take Zhuo Guyu with him."

Zhou Shuren gave another thumbs-up, highlighting again that the best strategist was the Emperor.

The Emperor continued, "Your fourth child has many ideas."

Zhou Shuren smiled, "He thinks a lot because he reads a lot."

The Emperor sneered, "There are many people who read a lot, yet few who have many ideas."

Zhou Shuren agreed, many officials in the Imperial court cling to their positions, adhering to rigid thoughts, while suppressing officials with ideas, which always troubles him.

The Emperor added, "It’s a pity."

Zhou Shuren looked down at the teacup on the table, indeed feeling it was a pity for the fourth child; he can only be Fourth Young Master Zhou, but fortunately, Chang Zhi understands and is open-minded.

The Emperor’s gaze had been fixated on Zhou Shuren, appreciating his clarity.

A few days later, the Emperor kept his word; the Crown Prince went to the Ministry of Justice and took Zhuo Guyu with him, drawing much attention to the Duke of Yongan’s Residence.

Originally believed that the Duke Residence had no future prospects, but Zhuo Da Gongzi was favored by the Crown Prince and brought to the Ministry of Justice.

The Duke was not particularly happy, but continuously sighed, feeling the Duke Residence had to serve loyally!

At the Hanlin Academy, several people approached Gu Sheng, one of them said, "It seems Zhuo Guyu already knows his future direction."

Another person added, "I thought the first would be Gu Sheng."

Gu Sheng responded, "Gentlemen, you’re blocking the light."

The few exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sarcasm. Previously, they envied Gu Sheng, but now, without Lord Zhou’s protection, Gu Sheng was unimpressive.

Gu Sheng remained steadfast, unable to enter the palace, attending to his matters. Fortune and misfortune are intertwined; due to his calmness, fewer marriage propositions had come recently, turning into a benefit.

At the government office, Gu Sheng saw Wu Shangheng, "Why have you come?"

Wu Shangheng said, "Invite you for a drink."

Gu Sheng smiled, "Sure."

He understood Wu Shangheng was there to support him, as he was the future Master Prince Consort.

Once in the carriage, Wu Shangheng observed Gu Sheng, "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine, and it’s a good chance to delve more deeply into ancient texts."

Wu Shangheng was relieved, "Let me tell you, don’t be fooled by Zhuo Guyu’s splendor; my father always warns me that there’s no such thing as undeserved favor and everything shouldn’t be taken at face value."

Some things he couldn’t say much about, only hinting at them.

Gu Sheng wasn’t overly ambitious, nor was he foolish. "I understand, didn’t you say last time your father was going to the capital?"

Wu Shangheng replied, "He needs to wait a few more days, maybe five or six before arriving in the capital. He’s not coming for me."

His father was entering the palace to see the Emperor, showing the Wu family’s loyalty to the Emperor.

Wu Shangheng sighed, "After Chang Xhong left, the Fourth Prince didn’t leave the palace either. Among my good friends, there’s only you left; in the future, I’ll seek you out to drink tea and chat."

"Thank you."

"We’re friends, no need for thanks."

At Marquis Zhou’s residence, Zhulan was chatting with Lady Zhao, who spoke of Lady Hu, "My mother-in-law went to the estate."

"She’s living quite comfortably."

Lady Zhao had long seen how her mother-in-law lived, and felt envy in her heart, having no children to worry about, living for herself with zest, "Yes, she plans to renovate the estate this year."

Zhulan quite liked Lady Hu’s nature, stating and doing what she said, never interfering in the young couple’s lives, not even once. "She is a person of broad mind."

Such people tend to live long.

Lady Zhao remembered Yushuang, "I wonder how Yushuang and her husband are doing."

"Liufeng and Yushuang can handle it well."

She was rather unconcerned about the two children; both children knew their hearts.

Lady Zhao suddenly said, "I heard from my husband that the Ministry of Rites is preparing for the Second Prince’s wedding."

Zhulan knew about this; Shuren returned saying the Emperor was preparing for the Second Prince’s marriage. However, unlike the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, the Second Prince’s event was to be kept low-key. It hadn’t been announced yet, only known to some.

Lady Zhao whispered, "The Li family girl has it tough."

Zhulan thought indeed it was tough, the Second Prince hoped for a good family alliance, but unfortunately, the Li family wasn’t one. The less content the Second Prince was, the harder life became for the Li family girl.