CHAPTER 1587: CHAPTER 1587 NINGZHOU PROVINCE

The Emperor waited for the chessboard to be set up, "Let’s play a game."

Zhou Shuren’s chess skills had improved remarkably in recent years, and he enjoyed studying it more and more, "Alright."

The Emperor picked up the black piece, "Chang Lian has been in Qiizhou for several years, his performance in the past two years has been outstanding."

Zhou Shuren was momentarily stunned; he knew the Emperor would not tell him exactly who schemed against him, and mentioning Chang Lian was unexpected, which caught his attention, "Indeed, during his years in Qiizhou, he used up his family’s assets. But in the past two years, he’s donated nearly all of his income and even asked for a lot of medicine from my hands."

The Emperor chuckled, "Children are debts."

Zhou Shuren understood that this was the Emperor’s explanation, though not stated outright, "To me, these debts are sweet."

The Emperor placed a chess piece, "Your turn."

Zhou Shuren swiftly placed his piece, only to hear the Emperor continue, "Although Ningzhou is not a top province, it is a central province, and Ningzhou needs a magistrate."

The implication was very clear.

Zhou Shuren was happy for his son, as Ningzhou was easier to achieve political success than Qiizhou, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chang Lian’s promotion was assured, to the fourth rank Ningzhou Prefect.

The Emperor smiled, "Chang Lian has caught my eye, he deserves this."

Zhou Shuren thought for a moment and asked directly, "What about the Prefect of Qiizhou?"

He knew that the Prefect of Qiizhou was also going to be transferred.

The Emperor did not hide it, "Someone will be transferred from the capital."

Zhou Shuren did not continue to probe further, as he knew whichever official transferred there had nothing to do with him. After all, his son had been in Qiizhou for years and there was no room for political achievements there.

Afterward, both the monarch and his minister focused on the chessboard, the Emperor did not continue discussing state affairs, and most of what followed were casual conversations. Zhou Shuren, having played chess with two Emperors, was very adept and accustomed to chatting idly.

One game finished and they started another, suddenly the Emperor asked, "You’ve chosen quite well for your grandsons-in-law."

Zhou Shuren became cautious, "They are indeed quite good."

The Emperor naturally followed with, "And none have concubines or secondary wives. I heard you and Master Wang have a five-year agreement."

Zhou Shuren’s mind tensed, "Indeed, there is a five-year agreement. Your Majesty also knows that I have family rules; my sons do not take concubines, and there is not a single concubine in the household. The children grow up in this environment, so I naturally worry about my granddaughters. If I hadn’t upheld the rule of not taking concubines in my family, I wouldn’t have the face to require others, but our family has adhered to it!"

The Emperor looked up, "I’ve never seen anyone doting on granddaughters more than you."

Zhou Shuren, "A girl can only stay at home for a few years, and the married life is long. I just hope they can live freely and happily."

The Emperor acknowledged with a "hm," "It’s your move."

When the game ended, Zhou Shuren withdrew. On the way out of the palace, his back was slightly damp—not from fear, but from the nerve-wracking tension of fearing the Emperor might change his mind.

In the government hall, the Emperor signaled Eunuch Zhang to tidy up the chessboard and said to the Crown Prince, who was reviewing Zhezi by the side, "Did you hear clearly?"

The Crown Prince’s heart trembled, "Father, I have no such intentions."

The Emperor did not turn to look at the Crown Prince; his gaze continued to look out of the glass window, "The Hou Residence does not need a daughter to bring glory, and never thought of using a daughter for a political marriage. Back then, if your little imperial uncle weren’t raised by the Zhou family and in love with Zhou Xuehan, the Zhou family would not have married their daughter into the imperial family. Others use daughters to seek glory; the Zhou family doesn’t, they have their principles."

The Crown Prince understood, the ladies of the Hou Residence were in no worry of lacking suitors. There were many seeking marriage alliances, and Marquis Zhou had never leveraged his granddaughters for political gains, otherwise, the power of the Hou Residence wouldn’t be so straightforward.

The Emperor continued, "I understand your mother’s intentions, and know you regard Marquis Zhou differently due to the two criticisms. What I hope more is for you to learn Marquis Zhou’s strengths, and learn that what you build is truly yours."

The Crown Prince solemnly replied, "I understand, Father."

Because the restlessness brought by Marquis Zhou’s two criticisms was gone, the Crown Prince’s posture was straight, and he had gained some insight, making his aura steadier.

Only then did the Emperor turn to look at his son, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He’d devoted all his thoughts to the Crown Prince; he was his satisfactory successor, who should focus on court affairs rather than the harem.

The Emperor was again displeased with the Empress; though she’d been gravely ill several times, he first felt guilty, and the guilt led to more indulgence. Later, he endured it for the Crown Prince’s sake. He promised the Empress he would not change, but she needed to be reminded, for her anxiety and remarks had already affected the Crown Prince.

At the government office, Chang Yi came to pick up his father, seeing his father’s relaxed expression. Although his smile was the same as usual, the son understood his father, "Father, is there good news?"

Zhou Shuren lowered his voice, "Yes, the Emperor personally said that Chang Lian would be appointed as the Prefect of Ningzhou. I think the transfer document will be sent to Qiizhou soon."

Chang Yi was happy for his brother, "A fourth rank!"

"Yes, a fourth rank is a significant hurdle. Now that Chang Lian is approaching it, I can be at ease."

Chang Yi thought of himself; he found it difficult to reach the fourth rank. No matter how much power he seemed to wield at the Ministry of Rites, he still couldn’t rise.

Zhou Shuren sensed his son’s gloom, patting his shoulder, "No rush. You’ve only been an official a few years. Your brother rose through the official exams, and he’s just at the fourth rank; you must be patient."

At least, in the Ministry of Rites, Chang Yi was not idle—he held real power.

Chang Yi’s gloom was fleeting, and he regained his composure, "I understand, Father."

"Good, you need to accumulate more. To advance, you need to build a foundation."

Chang Yi understood that his last promotion had been due to luck.

At the Zhou household, Zhulan reviewed several young women, all unrelated to her family by marriage. She did not want Ning Ming marrying into her family.

She chose two families: one was the eldest legitimate daughter of a Fifth-rank Ministry of Revenue Official, the other was the second legitimate daughter of a Fourth-rank Official. Both young women were decent, with good family rules and virtues.

Once selected, Zhulan sent the information to the Ning Duke Residence, where Song Shi would review and provide feedback.

Having sent them in the morning, Song Shi herself came over.

Zhulan, "Why in such a hurry?"

Song Shi sighed, "It’s better to settle the engagement sooner for peace of mind. I’ve already had Ning Ming look over the information, and he favors the eldest legitimate daughter of the Ministry of Revenue Official."

Zhulan smiled, "Ning Ming has good taste."

Why say it’s good? Although a Fifth-rank Official, this one is expected to be promoted next year and already has a place to go. She was well informed about the Ministry of Revenue from what Shuren told her, and Ning Ming likely saw something in the information too.

Song Shi curtsied, "Thank you for your concern."

The information provided by the old madam was extremely detailed, an unspoken guidance.

Zhulan waved her hand, "No need for formalities among us, Ning Ming grew up under my watch too, and I hope he finds a good match and a harmonious future."

Song Shi felt relieved, "So it’s settled then?"

Zhulan nodded with a smile, "I’ll help in connecting you, you just find a good matchmaker."

Song Shi completely relaxed; with the old madam’s assistance, Ning Ming’s marriage was secure, easing her mind. "My mother will be the matchmaker."

Zhulan thought, Song Shi truly took Ning Ming seriously, even enlisting her own mother, "Good."

Song Shi departed, and news came from the palace; Zhulan informed Su Xuan upon her arrival, "Tomorrow you will enter the palace with me."