CHAPTER 1771: CHAPTER 1771: GRIEVANCES

Time flies, and Chang Zhi’s letter was sent back to the capital, along with the evidence that was found, rushed back with speed.

The Emperor kept Zhou Shuren alone, "He found himself a helper."

Zhou Shuren had not received a letter from his son and only knew roughly about Chang Zhi’s situation, "Helper?"

"Yes, he saved people from despair, here is the information."

Zhou Shuren took the information, which contained all the details about Ding Jue, "Recovering his scholarly title as a Graduate, it is indeed difficult to buy someone back as a servant."

After pausing, he continued, "Chang Zhi’s actions also fulfilled his filial duty."

The Emperor said, "Chang Zhi did well."

Zhou Shuren continued reading the sent-back news, "Chuanzhou Province is more serious than we understood."

The law has special criminal laws against lending at high interest, but unfortunately, it still hasn’t been eradicated. With high profits ahead, the law cannot deter those who take risks, especially when some interest rates are protected.

The Emperor had already been angry yesterday, now he was very calm, "I will cleanse some filth and return Chuanzhou Province to its clear skies."

Zhou Shuren was worried about his son, "Emperor, Chang Zhi is not in danger, is he?"

That boy has skills; he was able to uncover so much evidence!

The Emperor said, "I have sent more people over, he will not be in danger. Ah, how many idealistic talents have become disillusioned with the imperial court? I was sleepless last night."

Zhou Shuren was silent for a while, "That’s why reform is needed."

The Emperor’s tone was profound, "Easier said than done."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

In Xiaoxi Village, Chang Zhi rented the yard next to the Ding family’s house. The yard was somewhat rundown because the Ding family had been unlucky in recent years and their neighbors had moved away, leaving the yard uncared for and dilapidated.

Chang Zhi rented it and took two days to fix it up before moving in. He planned to stay in Xiaoxi Village until the court examination ended.

The Ding family’s funeral ended, and although they were not indebted, the whole family was sad but full of spirit. Knowing he helped, they did not enter the yard due to filial duty, but knelt outside.

Chang Zhi was in the yard making records when Ding Jue followed the young servant in, speaking with a cautious tone, "Sir."

Chang Zhi put down his brush, "Sit."

Ding Jue was somewhat dazed now, thinking he would become a servant, not expecting that the person in front of him was an imperial court official, and one specifically investigating the situation in Chuanzhou Province, "Sir, my family has already been arranged. Is there anything you need me to do?"

Chang Zhi did not respond but instead asked, "Your Scholar title was wrongfully taken; do you really not plan to reclaim it?"

Ding Jue was disillusioned with the imperial examinations; his path to the examination cost his mother and elder brother’s lives. His voice was hoarse and very oppressive, "No desire."

Chang Zhi sighed inwardly, "The silver to repay the interest, follow me for half a year, and it’s your salary."

He would not continue to help Ding Jue, as Ding Jue would not accept it. Observing the neighboring house coldly for the past few days, without the pressure of interest rates, life, although hard, could still be endured.

Ding Jue understood the official’s kindness, and he could only wholeheartedly assist the official to repay the favor, "Thank you, Sir."

Chang Zhi did not tell Ding Jue that his Qiu Wei exam results had been substituted, fearing Ding Jue would not bear it, nor did he say he came for the imperial examination, telling Ding Jue, "Help me organize information about the An family."

Ding Jue was a little confused, "The An family?"

Chang Zhi pointed to the record book on the table, "Take a look, and you’ll understand, but you need to know what to ask and what not to ask."

Ding Jue’s heart pounded, and he reached out to touch the book, "I understand, I will definitely not hold you back."

In the capital, Zhulan took Yu Wen and Ms. He to the Girls College. Ms. He was curious about the college, and the two girls accompanied her there for the morning.

On their way back to the city in the afternoon, He Sishi said, "Madam, I heard from the magistrate that the college opened two new courses this year."

Zhulan said, "Yes, the Ministry of Works sold many patented technologies, merchants bought the patents to improve technology, and in production, there’s a lack of manpower, so the college chose the two industries most in need of people to open courses."

The instructors were invited, with the Xu family helping.

He Sishi praised, "Madam is truly remarkable."

Yu Wen added, "My grandfather is also remarkable, he suggested selling the Ministry of Works’ patents."

The more He Sishi learned about the Hou Residence, the more she wanted to marry into it, agreeing, "My grandfather also deeply admires Mr. Hou."

Yu Wen became happier, and Zhulan saw the two little girls chatting again, looking at Ms. He with even softer eyes; she was very satisfied with Ms. He.

As the carriage lined up to enter the city, Zhulan, who had good eyesight, saw Lu Jia Qing, "You child, where are you going?"

Lu Jia Qing was deep in thought, and looked over when he heard the voice, "Good day, Madam."

Zhulan asked again; the child was dressed in casual clothes, not to mention a bundle hanging in front of the horse.

Lu Jia Qing said, "I took leave from the Prince to handle some personal matters."

Zhulan’s mind worked fast; her grandson investigated Lu Jia Qing to Chuanzhou Province, and now that Chang Zhi was in Chuanzhou, seeing that Lu Jia Qing was going on a long journey, she instinctively reached out to stop him, "No rush, return to the city and chat with me?"

Lu Jia Qing was stunned, "Madam?"

Zhulan squinted, "You must be going to Chuanzhou?"

Lu Jia Qing, "!!"

Zhulan raised an eyebrow; she was just testing, this child was still young, "Let’s go."

The guard following from the Qin Prince Residence was dumbfounded and decided he wouldn’t need to follow anymore but would report back to the Princely Heir.

Lu Jia Qing’s heart was in turmoil; how did the Madam know he planned to return to Chuanzhou?

Zhulan first sent Ms. He back to the He Residence, then took Lu Jia Qing home.

Back at the Hou Residence, Yu Wen’s eyes surveyed Lu Jia Qing, and Lu Jia Qing, under her gaze, felt very nervous, with sweat already on his forehead.

Zhulan changed into another outfit and came out, "I know you have secrets. Due to certain reasons, for the safety of my son, I have a few questions to ask. You can choose to answer or not."

Lu Jia Qing still didn’t know what had given him away, and respectfully said, "I understand."

Zhulan was direct, "Do you have a vendetta with the An family of the Ministry of Works?"

Lu Jia Qing was choked by the directness but thinking of the kindness from the Hou Residence and the trust from the Qin Prince Residence, he straightforwardly replied, "I do."

Zhulan asked again, "The An family’s ancestral home is in Chuanzhou; do you plan to go to Chuanzhou for revenge?"

After meeting the An family, Lu Jia Qing no longer intended to hide his origins. He planned to return to Chuanzhou once and confess to the Prince when he returned, "No, I am returning to Chuanzhou to retrieve some items."

Zhulan saw Lu Jia Qing had no intention to continue speaking, "Retrieve them and then confess?"

Lu Jia Qing answered resolutely, "Yes."

After the An family entered the capital, it disrupted his plans. He knew his slow progress step by step, and after much deliberation, he decided to tell the Prince. He feared that if he waited any longer, his memories would grow more blurred and promptly requested leave from the Prince.

Zhulan saw Lu Jia Qing purse his lips and knew further questions would yield nothing, "Are you curious about why I stopped you?"

Lu Jia Qing said, "Madam stated the reason just now."

After meeting the An family, he was immersed in hatred; any issue with the Hou Residence, the Prince and Princely Heir would not tell him, and he truly did not know which gentleman of the Hou Residence was involved.