The emperor nodded in agreement. This was also the reason why he had not sent an envoy out. Especially after this pirate incident, he deeply realized the importance of the navy. He was not unaware of the situation of the national treasury, but he had to proceed no matter how difficult it was.
The emperor patted Zhou Shuren on the shoulder and said, "Next year, I will increase investment in the navy. Thank you for your hard work, my dear minister."
Zhou Shuren, “… .”
Haha, he always wants to exploit him and increase investment. The money-eating beast is growing up and he really can't afford to feed it.
The emperor looked away. He felt a little guilty after he finished speaking. This year's tax revenue was good, but a lot of next year's tax revenue was also spent this year. After knowing this, the national treasury would not look good. He did not plan to deal with the Chen family like he did with the Feng family.
The Feng family went too far. The Qi family was collecting money from the clan and was greedy for money. Although they made many moves, they did not really cross his bottom line. The Feng family was different. The fourth brother was the first one who dared to take action against his brothers. At the beginning, because Zhang Jinghong was not his biological son, he did not feel much.
But things were different after the fourth brother took action against Rongchuan. The Feng family had instigated the fourth brother over the years. He dared to assassinate Rongchuan in the capital this time, but what about next time
So the Feng family must fall. He knows his limits towards the Qi family. As long as they don't really cross the line, he will still keep their friendship in mind.
As for the Chen family, Old Master Chen is smart. He didn't want to use his daughter's marriage at first. Unfortunately, his father was alive, and his words were useless. Because of the second son, the Chen family naturally became ambitious. They have taken actions over the years, but have always been cautious. At least there have been no big moves, and they have controlled the scale of the Chen family very well.
If the power behind Zhang Jinghong wasn't so deeply hidden and knew so much, the Chen family would have stepped down when the prince succeeded to the throne. This was smart, and it made him even more wary, but he would not kill the Chen family.
Zhou Shuren saw that the emperor was distracted, so he didn't want to disturb him. He couldn't help but be distracted too. He had to increase investment in the navy, so he had to find a way to get the money. He thought of classified taxes, which could be taken out after Chang Lian joined the Maritime Affairs Bureau.
Zhou Shuren thought a lot about classified taxation. With his eyes squinted, he wanted to draw a blueprint of the port. He didn't know how to design, but he had seen many major ports in modern times. He could see them on TV, on the Internet, and he had even been there in person.
Moreover, more warehouses and ice cellars can be built and rented out, which all adds up to money. There are many ways to do this, but they cannot be used all at once.
The emperor called Zhou Shuren twice. Good fellow, he was distracted, and Zhou Shuren followed suit. "Shuren, have you thought of anything?"
Zhou Shuren came back to his senses, "I just want Changyi to ask his grandchildren to learn some foreign languages."
The emperor knew that some officials were far-sighted. Not to mention the officials, even the prince was learning foreign languages. At his age, he would learn a sentence or two from time to time. "Shu Ren's idea is very good."
Zhou Shuren has a toothache. Your Majesty, you really don’t have to call his name.
In the Hanlin Academy, Chang Lian listened to the conversation in the room. Several people surrounded Shi Qing. Lu Liang's tone was full of jealousy, "Shi Qing, don't you have any ideas about setting up a maritime branch?"
Shi Qing raised his head, "What do you want to say?"
Lu Liang smiled, "Everyone knows that you are valued by the Fifth Prince. I think the Fifth Prince has plans for you. Your name must be on the list of the branch office."
He did not dare to be jealous of Zhou Changlian. First, the emperor had spoken personally, and second, the Zhou family was taking deeper and deeper roots in the capital. These were things he could not be jealous of. Everyone knew that Zhou Changlian would be on the list.
But Shi Qing is different. Why should a person born in a merchant family be put under such pressure
Entering the branch office means not only one year less of assessment, but also a very coveted official position. It's a hard place to get into the naval department.
Shi Qing sneered, "I don't know if I'm on the list, but I know you won't be on it if you look like this."
Lu Liang blushed with anger, because it was true that his two years in the Hanlin Academy were only average.
When Shi Qing saw Chang Lian looking at him, he nodded slightly and continued to busy himself with his own things.
Shi Qing will not leave the capital, although Zhang Yang wants him to join the Maritime Affairs Bureau. Unfortunately, Zhang Yang's efforts will only expose more of him, and his fate is in the hands of the emperor.
Chang Lian retracted his gaze. Officials would be assigned after the assessment of the Hanlin Academy. In fact, many people wanted to stay in Beijing. After all, the officials in Beijing were different, but there were really not many opportunities. And unless one had great abilities and impressed the emperor so that one could climb up quickly, the rest would just have to endure.
Leaving Beijing has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you have a family to rely on, but the disadvantage is that you have no one to rely on. If no one supports you, you will have to endure the hardships in your hometown.
Chang Lian knew that he had a good father, so he was not afraid to leave the capital. Even if he went to various states, his father would support him. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that as long as his father was successful, the Minister of Revenue would be his father sooner or later.
The entire country is related to the Ministry of Households!
At the Ningguo Mansion, Xue Han came to visit her grandparents, bringing the fruits given to her by her second brother.
Before Xue Han entered the house, the old woman enthusiastically opened the curtain. Her attitude changed a lot before and after the marriage. She would not have been so attentive before the marriage.
As soon as Xue Han entered the room, she saw that there were a lot of people inside, and Mrs. Du was there too.
The Duke's wife was happy to see Xue Han, "It's so cold, why are you here? Come and sit next to me."
This was Xue Han’s second visit to the Duke’s Mansion after her marriage. The first time was to offer tea to her grandparents.
Xue Han was still holding a fruit basket in her hand. After handing it to the maid, she bowed and said with a smile, "Grandma, I just came in and I feel cold. I won't get close to you for now."
The Duke's wife felt warm in her heart, "You are such a thoughtful child. You just took charge of the Marquis's Mansion. Is there anything you don't understand?"
The Duke's wife wants to teach him, but she can refrain from interfering. After all, Rongchuan is a prince, not a real grandson.
Xue Han smiled and said, "There are still some things I don't understand. Grandma, please don't think I'm annoying later. I have a lot of questions to ask."
The Duke's wife laughed so hard that her eyes almost disappeared when she heard this. This was a sign of respect and trust for her. "Good child, whatever you ask, I will tell you."
Then she became even more displeased with Mrs. Du. When she handed the case over to Mrs. Du's housekeeper, she had asked about it with good intentions, but Mrs. Du was wary of her, which made her very angry. Mrs. Du had made many jokes and lost many people in the Ningguo Mansion.
Xue Han saw that the fruits had been taken out, "Grandma, my second brother came back from abroad yesterday and brought back a lot of fruits he grew. These fruits are hard to come by, so I brought them here specially for Grandma and Grandpa to eat today."
This fruit is rare in the capital and difficult to preserve. Too many of them would go bad when they get there, which would not only cost money but also take up space. Only my second brother would buy it not only to make money but also to let his parents taste it.
She specially picked out a few of good quality ones and brought them over.
The Duke's wife had always liked Xue Han. She was always thinking about them, which warmed her heart. "Good child, you brought some even though there weren't many things. It doesn't matter if we eat them or not since we are old."
Xue Han warmed up, moved closer, and held her grandmother's hand, "That won't do. You and Grandpa need to live a long life, and there are still many blessings for you!"
After hearing this, the Duke's wife felt warm in her heart, "Okay, okay, grandma will listen to you and enjoy your oral blessing."