CHAPTER 1756: CHAPTER 1756: THE UNCONVENTIONAL TACTIC

After a few more days, Zhou Shuren stayed after the morning court session, along with several other Chiefs of Staff.

The Emperor pointed at the map hanging up, "One-third of the river repairs are still unfinished."

He was very dissatisfied with last year’s progress, yet there was nothing to be done, as the southern regions experienced heavy snow last year.

Every time Zhou Shuren considered it, his heart bled, not only due to the money spent but also because many matters were delayed.

The Emperor continued, "It must be completed by the end of May this year."

Zhou Shuren had no objections; it concerned major matters for the people, and the funds had long been prepared.

The other Chiefs of Staff exchanged a look, and the Minister of Works hesitantly spoke, "Emperor, one-third of the workload is significant."

The Emperor replied, "It must be completed."

He truly feared the floods, inwardly cursing the officials who embezzled funds meant for the dam.

The Minister of Works fell silent, everywhere required manpower, it was a headache.

They then discussed other major affairs, and ministers gradually left.

Zhou Shuren walked alongside Mr. Gong, who said, "I heard Mr. Hou’s youngest son returned home to take the Scholar examination?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "You seem quite interested in me."

Mr. Gong laughed, "This year my youngest son is also taking the exam."

Zhou Shuren was genuinely unaware, "I remember your youngest son is twenty-two?"

Mr. Gong spoke with a tone of helplessness mixed with indulgence, "This child is the old lady’s lifeline, she shields him whenever studying tires him. He could have taken the Scholar exam early, but it was delayed until now."

Zhou Shuren, "Your eldest son?"

"He took the Scholar exam at sixteen; the eldest son must bear responsibilities."

Zhou Shuren let out an ’oh’, realizing the younger son was spoiled while growing up, "And you tell me all this?"

Mr. Gong thought to himself that he wanted to chat to draw closer, talking about children provides a topic, as they are both the lifeline of their old mothers, "Just idle chat."

In the end, the two chatted along the way but never got truly familiar, mainly because Mr. Gong could never quite hit the right topics.

Zhou Shuren carried his thoughts as he boarded the carriage, recalling the morning court session where the Emperor was particularly impatient with the conservatives, especially Mr. Luo, not giving him any face today.

Zhou Shuren tapped his fingertips, feeling that the Emperor wanted to deal with several conservatives, with the Luo family being the first.

In the small courtyard of Xiao Liu Village, where Changzhi was staying, he sat in the yard reading the newspaper, which was delayed from the capital and now was last period’s issue.

Lau Mingsheng entered through the door, "Sir."

Changzhi put down the newspaper, "Did you register?"

Lau Mingsheng couldn’t contain his joy, "Registered, thank you for your assistance, your help will never be forgotten."

Changzhi gestured for him to sit down, a young servant came over with a teapot, "Have a cup of hot tea."

Lau Mingsheng, "This time, I surely will succeed."

Changzhi didn’t mention Lau Mingsheng’s results being replaced, having stayed here to investigate all matters thoroughly. The reason his subsequent attempts were suppressed at the county level was due to bribery failing to bypass the province exam officials, who were transferred a few years ago.

Therefore, Lau Mingsheng’s luck was good; as long as the county officials were dealt with, he could take the exam smoothly.

Changzhi said, "Stayed here a few days, I should continue my travels and studies."

Lau Mingsheng was extremely reluctant, having asked for literary advice over the past few days, he learned much that the academy couldn’t teach. But he also knew no banquet lasts forever, "Wishing you a safe journey, sir."

"Alright, I’ll retrieve the Four Books upon my return."

Lau Mingsheng lingered to ask about some unclear points and after offering gratitude, he left.

The young servant came over, "Master, three days later, the local county magistrate will be imprisoned."

Changzhi responded, "We should also hurry to leave, lest we’re discovered."

The young servant said, "Meeting you was good fortune for Lau Mingsheng."

Changzhi laughed, "It was fate; had I not heard his story, I wouldn’t have stayed so long."

The young servant got up to pack, his steps were light; finally leaving the village, recent days of inquiries were quite bothersome.

The next day, Lau Mingsheng received a package, and the woman said, "Sir renting the courtyard left it for you, along with a note hoping for your smooth journey."

Lau Mingsheng felt wistful as he thanked the woman and went back to open the package, inside were a set of Four Treasures of the Study, and a box containing twenty taels of silver, enough for exam expenses including the Qiu Wei and money for transcribing the Four Books.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lau Mingsheng cried with a mix of laughter at being noticed, and tears for persistence leading to opportunity.

At the Palace, Zhou Shuren saw news about Changzhi, every action of Changzhi was recorded, focusing on the questions Changzhi raised.

Zhou Shuren, "!!"

The Emperor pointed at the report, "That boy truly has guts."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

This boy did it deliberately, testing the Emperor’s attitude by causing a stir shortly after leaving the capital.

The Emperor continued, "He hasn’t reached Chuanzhou yet starts handling matters."

Zhou Shuren continued reading, "The Emperor should be pleased."

Changzhi discovered promising talent, the hardships didn’t crush his spirit, and he had his own ideas, Lau Mingsheng was excellent.

The Emperor seemed to smile yet not smile, "It’s better if Changzhi returns to stay at the Hanlin Academy."

Zhou Shuren, "In the future, Changzhi won’t lend a hand to help again."

Old Fourth had a sense of proportion, knowing favors could be done once but not perpetually, which wasn’t what the Emperor wanted to see nor beneficial for Marquis Zhou Residence.

The Emperor acknowledged, Zhou Changzhi was his hidden ace, not for constant use, but to deliver unexpected results, he was pleased with Zhou Changzhi.

The Emperor motioned to the eunuch Zhang to set up the chessboard, and while ready to play, the Emperor suddenly spoke, "I’ve already hinted for Mr. Luo to retire."

Zhou Shuren’s heart stirred, "Somewhat unexpected for your servant."

He could perceive the Emperor’s intentions but hadn’t expected such decisiveness from the Emperor.

The Emperor played a piece, continuing, "This is already the last face-saving gesture I give him."

Zhou Shuren, "There is kinship between Duke Residence and the Luo family."

The Emperor’s tone was mocking, "Have they ever helped after so much intermarriage?"

Zhou Shuren remained silent; if they had helped, the Duke of Yongan Residence wouldn’t have lost face so severely last time.

The Emperor lightly remarked, "So, whether the marriage exists, it’s the same, what use is a promise unfulfilled?"

Zhou Shuren, "You knew it all."

The Emperor sneered, "I didn’t prevent the intermarriage, don’t you think?"

Originally hoping for Luo family contributions, yet ultimately underestimating their shamelessness, collecting Duke Residence’s money without any effort, truly disgraceful!

Zhou Shuren understood, the Luo family’s inaction, the Emperor didn’t wish to tolerate it, "This early in the year, a major shift, isn’t it inappropriate?"

The Emperor, "Hence hinting him to retire, if he’s honest about it, I can give Luo family half a year, else don’t blame my ruthlessness."

Zhou Shuren clicked his tongue twice, not intending to speak well for the Luo family, as he found them quite annoying.

The Emperor continued, "The retirement position for Luo family will remain."

Zhou Shuren pondered for a while and smiled, the Emperor had left a spot for Wong Ju’s future transfer, while sarcastically thinking, Mr. Luo’s departure or not truly has no impact on the Imperial court!