Chapter 852: Chapter 852 Brushing Presence

The next day at court, the Ministry of War submitted a memorandum proposing the construction of new ships and the expansion of the Navy, an idea the Emperor had expressed interest in long ago, which everyone knew could not be stopped.

Naturally, they had no desire to stop it either, as noble families controlled merchants, and the profits from maritime trade in recent years had been too vast, having even caught the Emperor’s attention after he purchased grain once.

Most were supportive, as a stronger Navy would ensure the safety of our dynasty’s commercial ships. Of course, there were also opponents, citing the exhaustion of the people and the depletion of wealth, claiming things were already fine as they were, and so forth.

Zhou Shuren kept his head down, thinking to himself that the silver from the Ministry of Revenue’s statement of accounts had just been presented to the Emperor; the Emperor’s actions were indeed swift.

As for who voiced opposition, Zhou Shuren didn’t care. After all, there was never a moment of unanimous approval in the court; it was normal for dissent to be present, including those accustomed to singing a different tune to make their presence felt.

Having attended court numerous times, Zhou Shuren found it rather interesting. Just look—some made an impression with a few words, caught the Emperor’s memory, then never spoke again, standing silent and unmoving. To those unaware, they might have been mistaken for a pillar!

The session soon ended, and in small groups they huddled together. Xiao Qing was called over, and Zhou Shuren saw Mr. Xiao looking at him, "Sir?"

Xiao Qing thought for a moment, then smilingly said, "You go first."

Zhou Shuren had a bad feeling. He wanted to offer to stay and wait for Mr. Xiao, but Mr. Xiao had already briskly walked away, and the unpleasant premonition grew heavier.

Li Zhao clapped Zhou Shuren on the shoulder, "Your Chief of Staff has gone far off, snap out of it."

Zhou Shuren chuckled awkwardly, "Mr. Li."

Li Zhao, "Let’s walk together."

Zhou Shuren didn’t want to. The Ministry of War had just delivered two memoranda, and that involved silver. But he didn’t have Mr. Li’s strength, nor his long arms. With a tug, he felt like he was gripping a small chick. Zhou Shuren grimaced inwardly, "After you, sir."

So you can let go now, I won’t run.

Li Zhao released him once he was sure Zhou Shuren wouldn’t run away, grinning, "Your legs might be short, but you sure can run fast."

Zhou Shuren, "...."

He used to have long legs, but now, well.

Zhou Shuren and Mr. Li walked slowly. Ahead were the Minister of Personnel, Mr. Wang, and Mr. Phang, the Minister of Rites, walking together.

Li Zhao pricked up his ears, pulling Zhou Shuren to quicken their pace, and then followed just one step behind them.

Zhou Shuren, "...."

This was blatantly eavesdropping.

Mr. Phang noticed but continued speaking, "Mr. Wang, you’ve been in the position of Minister of Personnel for some years now, haven’t you?"

Mr. Wang replied with a knowing smile, "Regrettably, your longings are in vain."

Mr. Phang wasn’t ready to give up, "That’s not necessarily the case."

Mr. Wang spoke indifferently, "Aren’t you comfortable in the Ministry of Rites? It’s practically become the Phang family’s domain. How leisurely."

Phang Huai shivered inwardly – this was the Palace, "Mr. Wang, please be discreet."

Mr. Wang smiled slyly, "If you shut your mouth, I will be discreet. Otherwise, I might not be able to control what comes out of mine, who knows what might slip out. Ah, the privileges of being in the Ministry of Personnel—you do find quite the secrets."

Zhou Shuren walked with his head down. Mr. Wang was being fairly polite to Mr. Phang, but at such a time, Mr. Wang wouldn’t be thinking about moving seats; Phang Huai deserved to be retorted for eyeing someone else’s position.

Li Zhao, stroking his beard, chimed in, "Mr. Phang, you’re still pining for what’s outside your pot, I admire that. Quite the little secret, indeed."

Phang Huai narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean by that?"

Li Zhao, "We’re not close, so I won’t tell you."

Zhou Shuren, "...."

Could he slip away now?

At the Academy, when Mingyun arrived at the classroom, he was surrounded, "What are you all doing?"

Lau Qi leaned against a chair with no serious demeanor, "You made a name for yourself in one battle, yesterday my old man wouldn’t stop praising you. He insisted that I learn from you, so here I am to study."

The others laughed, "Right, right, we’re all here to learn."

Mingyun twitched the corner of his mouth, these people came from good backgrounds and were boisterous, but not annoying. It was just that sometimes they were too unserious. He waved his hand, "You’re all teasing me, break it up."

Lau Qi and a few others chuckled, "Every time you have a break, you hole up at home, but not this time. We brothers will take turns inviting you out. Come on, this break come to my place and let me report back to my old man."

Mingyun rolled his eyes, "You’d better serve good tea, otherwise, I won’t leave my residence."

Lau Qi smiled warmly, "Don’t worry, it will definitely be good tea."

Then, a few of them arranged in front of Mingyun who to visit next, completely disregarding Zhou Mingyun’s opinion.

Gu Liufeng watched from the sidelines; he noticed that Mingyun had changed a lot after yesterday. The old Mingyun used to be somewhat reserved, but today he had completely let loose.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren stared at Xiao Qing, "Sir, are you saying that I should audit the Silver Tael needed for the ships?"

Xiao Qing felt uneasy inside. He had proposed it to the Emperor, who had promptly agreed. He was getting older, and ever since Zhou Shuren had come to the Ministry of Revenue, he finally enjoyed some leisure time that a Chief of Staff should have. Now with some benefits coming, he didn’t want to toil away, "That’s right."

Zhou Shuren chuckled inwardly. So his bad premonition was about this. His mind was exhausted, the ship affair was too complicated, his head throbbing with pain, "Sir, I feel that—"

Xiao Qing stood up, "Ah, I still have to meet with Li Zhao. Do you want to stay?"

Zhou Shuren, "...No, I will take my leave now."

Xiao Qing smiled, "Go ahead, you don’t have to hurry. It’s winter now, there’s a bit more time. Ah, after so many years, this is the first time I’ve faced a full treasury, the amount of Silver Tael from the sea taxes is just abundant."

Zhou Shuren thought to himself, everything was connected, and in the end, alas, he was the one who ended up tired.

Zhou Shuren returned to his quarters, contemplating the people under him—his doctors and clerks. He really didn’t have anyone particularly reliable; he especially missed Wong Ju. When Wong Ju was by his side, he could relax easily. Suddenly, he stiffened; to Xiao Qing, wasn’t he the same! Zhou Shuren stroked his overgrown beard, hmm, he would need to find a way to bring Wong Ju over, to share the good fortune together!

But Wong Ju wouldn’t be able to help him for many years. Not to mention that Wong Ju’s father had his own plans, the Emperor wouldn’t allow Wong Ju and him to work together in the Ministry of Revenue for long. To borrow his help for a few years would be just that, a few years.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan handed over the prepared gifts to Lady Zhao, "This is a housewarming gift, take it over."

Lady Zhao had already inquired what her mother-in-law was sending; it was a pair of ornaments. She prepared calligraphy and painting supplies, ink, paper, and inkstone for the future son-in-law because her husband and daughter were satisfied, she made the gift a bit more generous.

Lady Zhao said, "Mother, I’m heading out now."

"Mhm, Lady Hu is sensible. After the last admonishment, there’s no need to bring it up again; mentioning it too much might backfire. Today is just to celebrate the housewarming joy."

Lady Zhao took the advice to heart, "Mother, I will remember all your teachings."

Zhulan smiled, "Dress warmly when you go out, the snow has settled, and today is especially cold. Take a hand warmer with you."

Lady Zhao felt a warm heart, "I don’t expect Lady Hu to treat Yushuang as well as you treat me, I would be reassured if Lady Hu is even half as kind as you."

Zhulan thought to herself, she could really be a contender for the best mother-in-law in ancient times. Listening to Lady Zhao’s words, she also felt content, "Lady Hu will be good to Yushuang."

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