CHAPTER 1556: CHAPTER 1556: HOUSE STRUGGLE

The Emperor looked at Zhou Shuren approvingly, "Last year, our country also lost many citizens to starvation due to the grain shortage, which pained me deeply. This year, the entire country is living frugally just to save grain for the people. As Marquis Zhou said, we don’t have much to spare."

So it’s a matter of first come, first served. Don’t hesitate.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, feeling excited inside. Why? Because ambassadors from over ten countries were speaking Chinese, and there was no need for translation this time. It showed how diligently they had been learning Chinese in recent years.

The only thing that displeased him was that the ambassadors still used their own languages when conversing.

The Emperor sat calmly in his chair, aware that whoever had the grain had the ultimate weapon and held the power. The Emperor was not in a hurry. If it weren’t for the ambassadors constantly pushing, he would’ve preferred to delay things further.

Minister Wen felt bitter about how much the Emperor trusted Zhou Shuren and the tacit understanding between them, which left him feeling powerless. He truly didn’t understand why, among all the talented people in court, two emperors in succession only valued Zhou Shuren so highly. Well, not just him — also the Crown Prince, who was frequently attending the Ministry of Revenue to the point where Minister Wen had to go block him there, which felt infuriating.

Receiving a signal from his father, the Crown Prince stepped forward, "Gentlemen, the people of various countries are waiting for grain to save their lives."

There was sarcasm in Zhou Shuren’s eyes. Some countries were truly for their people, but others were for their elites. The distributed grain was divided layer by layer, leaving little for the common people, who ultimately had to rely on themselves.

Zhou Shuren took up the conversation, sounding a warning, "Only the living have possibilities. If starving citizens were to revolt in desperation, it might be difficult to return home alive."

Everyone in the hall wanted to look at Zhou Shuren, who smiled slightly, as if the dangerous rhetoric just now wasn’t from him.

The Emperor clenched his fists, recalling his father’s dream — that water can carry a boat but also overturn it; only when the people are at peace can the imperial power be stable. He would not fear; with Zhou Shuren, imperial power was now quite secure.

The ambassadors, eager for confrontation, felt deflated and instantly lost their momentum. Some even appeared quite anxious, indicating the extent of oppression and exploitation imposed by those in power.

Things proceeded smoothly afterward. With a leading example, others gradually chose the materials they wanted to exchange or needed time to think and left the palace.

The Emperor was dissatisfied, "They’re actually exchanging polished grains like rice and flour for coal, but none are exchanging for minerals."

Minister Wen remarked, "The initiative is in our hands; exchanging for coal can only be done with coarse grains."

Zhou Shuren stayed silent, letting others discuss the matters that followed.

At Prince Liang Residence, Rongchuan brought his son to see Prince Liang.

Prince Liang was extremely surprised, "Why have you come back?"

This person had suffered in childhood and was now relishing the wealth and nobility he once lacked. He couldn’t help but marvel at Rongchuan’s good fortune.

Rongchuan replied, "I’m idle at home, so I wanted to step out for a while. Fourth Brother knows I went to the Grassland, where a lot happened. I was supposed to go to the battlefield, but in the end, Fourth Brother went. I’ve yet to hear stories from him about the battlefield, so I wanted to bring my son here to listen."

Prince Liang didn’t think much of it. Even though he wasn’t in the capital, he knew about the challenges in the Grassland province. This person had blood on his hands and went to a monastery for introspection upon return, "If you don’t mind, I’d be glad to tell you."

Zeze smiled sweetly, "Fourth Uncle, let me pour you some tea."

Prince Liang exclaimed, "Oh, I actually get to drink tea poured by the Heir of Prince Qin! Your other uncles must be jealous."

This child was the Emperor’s beloved Grandson. Although all were Grandsons, they varied in status due to the Emperor’s favor. His own sons rarely saw the Emperor; even at family banquets, they wouldn’t catch his attention.

Zeze said, "It’s my duty as a younger one to serve tea to my elders."

Prince Liang felt a pang in his heart. This was a Grandson raised and taught by the Emperor, who poured all his heart into his legitimate offspring.

Rongchuan sensed his Fourth Brother’s emotions but remained silent. The rivalry between legitimate and illegitimate was inherently tense and he wouldn’t hypocritically offer comfort.

Prince Liang quickly brushed off his emotions and recounted events from the Dongbei battlefield, "The power of cannons is immense, as if they grind meat, taking countless lives with a single shot. The scene was truly shocking."

He himself was astounded for a long time after witnessing cannons in action.

Prince Liang had few to converse with and cherished Rongchuan’s rare visit, talking for a long time and sharing many insights, "If my health was better, I would’ve wanted to complete the construction in Dongbei before returning."

Rongchuan simply smiled. Don’t dream of it; thinking that he could finish building it was not something the Emperor would allow, "There are more and more foreign citizens gathering at the border, which will eventually become an issue; it’s better to resolve it sooner rather than later to avoid turmoil."

Pausing, he continued, "There have been movements in the neighboring countries at the Dongbei border."

Prince Liang, upon hearing this, squinted. This information hadn’t been widely shared, illustrating its secrecy; the Emperor truly trusted his full brothers. Bowing his head, he said, "Have some tea."

Rongchuan achieved his goal for this trip and clinked his cup with a smile.

At Wu Residence, Zhulan received the news and went to see Song Lan, "Is the child okay?"

The frost on Song Lan’s face melted, "Madam, you’ve come, sorry to trouble you with this concern."

Zhulan had already touched the child’s forehead, who was Wu Ming’s youngest son, "How did such a good child fall like that?"

Song Lan wiped her tears with a handkerchief, "This child loves to play, insists on going out even in winter. I lost sight of him for just a moment, and he fell down the stairs. Thankfully, he knew to protect his head and was wearing the thick cotton pants you sent, so he wasn’t injured, just frightened."

Zhulan’s heart pounded. She was very fond of Wu Ming’s legitimate younger son, who often visited the Zhou Residence. As soon as she heard he was hurt, she rushed over, though she wasn’t Wu Ming’s mother, "You should still be in charge of the arrangements at this house."

Song Lan was furious. She didn’t bother with the concubines, even those given to Wu Ming by others; all she cared about was her son. Even when the concubines were pregnant, she didn’t mistreat them, thinking it unnecessary and herself too lenient, "I’m sorry to have worried you."

"What did the doctor say?"

"He’s had a calming decoction and should be fine after a few days of rest."

Zhulan touched the child’s cheek, which was warm, "If it comes to it, just send both children to the Hou Residence."

That was precisely what Song Lan intended to suggest, though she hesitated to say it first since she wasn’t the mother-in-law. She also wanted to send the children back to her natal home, but doing so would escalate the issue, "Thank you, godmother."

"Why thank me? There’s a bunch of kids at home, and they can all play together."

Once it was agreed that the children would be sent over the next day, Zhulan prepared to leave. She came specifically to see the child, but just as she put on her cloak and was about to step out, she heard shouting from outside, "Madam, save me, Madam, save me."

Zhulan, "..."

The one calling ’Madam’ must mean her! Though she was tempted to watch the family squabble, she preferred not to get involved due to her standing.

Song Lan’s face darkened. How many in the house had been bought off for the news to spread so quickly?

Zhulan cleared her throat, "I won’t go out just yet."

She could still hear the shouting. That maid wasn’t doing well — why wasn’t her mouth covered?