Read Novel Full Chapter 1832: Plans
Chapter 1832: Chapter 1832: Plans
At noon, Zhou Shuren left the palace together with the Crown Prince, who was holding the Imperial Grandson in his arms. The little one was at his cutest, yet not many dared to tease him for play.
The Crown Prince held his restless son and patted his back lightly, "Be quiet."
The little guy was quite bold; it’s partly because the Emperor and the Crown Prince were reluctant to discipline him, and partly because the Imperial Family hoped the Imperial Grandson would be a bit bolder.
The Imperial Grandson reached out his hand, "Master."
Zhou Shuren calculated the remaining distance to exit the palace, coughed twice, "Master can’t hold you."
The Imperial Grandson still did not withdraw his arm, and after confirming he wouldn’t be held, he finally obediently hugged his father’s neck.
The Crown Prince smiled, "This child is close to you."
Zhou Shuren thought to himself that the father and son practically let the Grandson memorize portraits every day, but he said aloud, "The child’s eyes are pure; the Imperial Grandson knows that I am a loyal and patriotic person."
The Crown Prince, "..."
The Imperial Grandson did not understand the meaning but continued to grin, "Master."
Zhou Shuren’s heart melted along with this. Unlike the bond of blood relations, he’d watched this child grow up bit by bit; even his cold heart was softened, "Hey!"
The Crown Prince rubbed his son’s little head; his first child and also the first-born son received all his fatherly love. The Crown Prince was very clear that any future children might find it hard to gain his fatherly affection.
The little guy, being young, soon got sleepy. The Crown Prince quickly took a cloak and held his son, slowing his pace considerably while walking.
Zhou Shuren kept his gaze fixed, noticing the overwhelming affection in the Crown Prince’s eyes, which was even higher than his affection for the Crown Princess Consort.
Everyone in the capital knew how much the Emperor and the Crown Prince valued the Imperial Grandson, and because of this attention, all the people around the Imperial Grandson were arranged by the Emperor.
Many hoped the Imperial Grandson wouldn’t grow up smoothly. No one doubted that the Crown Prince was the chosen successor, and watching the chubby child, Zhou Shuren was also concerned, unable to refrain from planning for the child’s future.
The three days given by the Emperor passed quickly, yet there were still Zhezi impeaching the Zhuo family. Zhuo’s approach was too clean, and with the Emperor’s backing, they conducted their clean-up perfectly.
This time, there was no evidence left; the noble families had no choice but to yield.
The Lin family’s faction of Imperial Censors challenged the noble families, leading to a lively exchange, with the Lin family taking risks for royal power. Soon, there were Zhezi impeaching the Lin family.
The Lin family feared nothing; even if the evidence against them was real, the Emperor had their back, and the Lin family never lost in a quarrel!
Zhou Shuren witnessed the Lin family in full force for the first time, thinking to himself that Imperial Censors are certainly professional in arguing!
Zhou Shuren wanted to help speak, but the Lin family didn’t need it, as Mr. Lin felt it wasn’t such a serious matter.
Day by day, more people got implicated; those who confessed first had nothing to fear. Some wanted to retire to their hometowns but dared not leave the capital, fearing for their lives.
Zhou Shuren watched the excitement; those who confessed managed to escape the death penalty, but the continuous scrutinizations from the Imperial court still tormented them.
On a break day from Hanlin Academy, Zhulan held back her youngest son, who had an appointment, "Don’t rush off, I’m planning to go to the Wei family to discuss the date for your marriage."
Chang Xhong was generous this time, "I’ll leave it all to you."
Zhulan smiled, "Alright, you can go now."
Chang Xhong left with light footsteps; ever since he returned from worshipping ancestors, everyone who saw him would ask when he was getting married. His close friends, who’ve profited with his blessings, were all waiting to send him lavish gifts for his wedding!
Initially, he felt embarrassed, but with his friends mentioning it repeatedly, he also wanted to get married, especially since he’s not young anymore and has already established his career!
Chang Xhong had an appointment with Cheng Xiang and also invited Gu Sheng and Wu Shangheng. The Fourth Prince wouldn’t leave the palace until the Queen’s anniversary and spent his days copying scripture in peace.
Cheng Xiang was the first to arrive, followed by Chang Xhong. As soon as Chang Xhong sat down, Cheng Xiang thanked him, "Without your introduction, I couldn’t have found a way to connect with the future prince consort."
Chang Xhong laughed, "It’s not as exaggerated as you say."
Wu Shangheng indeed had an arrogant air, but he liked making friends. Of course, they first had to catch his eye; otherwise, even Princes couldn’t come close, as the Second Prince had sent many gifts, but Wu Shangheng remained aloof.
After arriving in the capital, Cheng Xiang knew that his father amounted to nothing, "My father hasn’t rested much lately."
Chang Xhong raised an eyebrow, "Who has Mr. Cheng aligned with?"
Cheng Xiang quickly shook his head, "No, my father hasn’t aligned with anyone."
Chang Xhong knew Mr. Cheng had ambitions in Maritime Affairs, which everyone regarded as promising, yet his luck wasn’t good, "Not aligning with anyone is quite alright."
Why was Cheng Xiang eager to meet Zhou Changzhong? Naturally hoping for some hints. Not mentioning the marriage ties with the Hou Residence, just saying Marquis Zhou was the Minister of Revenue meant knowing many inside secrets. Any hint could reassure his father; otherwise, his father worried daily about being thrust into the open, with the Cheng family’s ruin.
Cheng Xiang personally poured the tea, "My father doesn’t seek a career path now, only worries."
Chang Xhong felt good about the Cheng family and remembered the care Mr. Cheng gave his clan as Prefectural of Pingzhou, "Just do your duties well."
The Emperor was well aware of all movements in Maritime Affairs; pushing people out to take the blame wouldn’t be easy.
Cheng Xiang laughed, "If you ever need my help in the future, don’t hesitate."
Chang Xhong pointed out, "Mr. Cheng was a good official as Prefectural of Pingzhou."
Cheng Xiang understood; Chang Xhong’s hint wasn’t for him but for Mr. Cheng’s care towards the Zhou clan.
Wu Shangheng and Gu Sheng arrived together. Wu Shangheng sat down while Gu Sheng had to greet, "Uncle."
Chang Xhong gestured for them to sit, then asked, "Why did you two come together?"
Wu Shangheng replied, "He asked me to bring some paintings along, that’s why we came together."
Chang Xhong looked at Gu Sheng, who didn’t hide, "My paintings are popular in the south, and I was offered a handsome price this time for them."
Chang Xhong, "..."
Definitely a good man for tending to household affairs.
Gu Sheng was truly happy, having just gotten engaged and already securing an income of Silver.
Chang Xhong introduced Cheng Xiang, Wu Shangheng was quite polite, and Gu Sheng was willing to make connections. Cheng Xiang was good at socializing, and soon Wu Shangheng warmed up too.
While chatting, Wu Shangheng mentioned Zhuo Guyu, "I noticed he’s lost a lot of weight."
Chang Xhong saw Zhuo Guyu daily and had also noticed, "You’re quite attentive to him."
Wu Shangheng snorted, "You must pay attention."
If it weren’t for the Emperor needing the Zhuo family, his family would’ve already piled on.
Chang Xhong knew the grudges and asked, "Has nobody approached you for help?"
Wu Shangheng sullenly said, "How could you be so busy!"
Chang Xhong was speechless, "If I weren’t busy, would you still want to hide out at my house?"
Wu Shangheng felt troubled; he’s been quite distressed lately, truly wanting to get married and move into the Princess Residence soon. Alas, wishes are beautiful, but reality is too harsh; the Princess must observe mourning, and the Emperor wasn’t keen on her marrying early!
Just as they were speaking, the door to the private room was knocked upon. There were quite a few people outside, Wu Shangheng’s face turned cold, "Look, they’ve followed us here. Tsk tsk, if they come in and find you, what an unexpected delight for them!"