At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was a little absent-minded. He had confidence in Chang Yi, but he was still worried about him. Zhou Shuren thought that eight or nine years ago, he would never have thought that he would be such a responsible father.
The Ministry of Rites is receiving envoys today. Chang Yi can only enter the palace tomorrow if he shows his value today. Zhou Shuren pressed his brows. He couldn't help but think of Chang Lian and chuckled. He has so many concerns now.
In Xuzhou, Chang Lian received Zhao Ji. As they were both scholars of the same rank, although they had not had much contact, Zhao Ji approached him and wanted to form a solidarity with them since they were in Xuzhou, a place they were not familiar with.
Chang Lian asked, "Have you found a place to live?"
Zhao Ji nodded, "I've found it. It's a small courtyard not far from where you live."
Speaking of this, Zhao Ji was envious. He didn't have a father who was an official, so his family was pretty well off. But after buying a house in the capital, he didn't have much money left, so he really couldn't afford a good house in Xuzhou. He stayed in the inn for a few days before he chose a house.
Chang Lian heard this and said, "That's great. We can take care of each other in the future."
Zhao Ji came just to rely on others. When he was in the Hanlin Academy, he also wanted to make friends with Zhou Changlian. Unfortunately, Zhou Changlian had no shortage of people around him. With Lu Liang's behavior, he gave up the idea and focused all his attention on his job. Now he must make friends with him so that he can get information if there is any disturbance in the future, so as not to be pushed out as a scapegoat.
In the backyard, Dong envied Zhao Ji's wife, because Zhao Ji's wife was really good at giving birth and had three sons.
At noon, Chang Yi had already followed Lord Wang back to the Ministry of Rites. He was still dizzy when walking. He did not make any mistakes, not a single mistake today. More importantly, the officials brought by the King of Qi today were not as good at translation as him, and they made several mistakes.
Wang Ju was in a good mood, especially because Chang Yi made him proud. He only brought Chang Yi with him, but he was able to translate three foreign languages. He was so happy that he patted Chang Yi's shoulder and said, "Good boy, you really make your father proud."
Chang Yi staggered and almost fell down after being slapped. He was still thinking about something and didn't notice it. "Sir, do you think I can enter the palace tomorrow?"
Wang Ju laughed, "You are still not confident. Don't worry, you will definitely be able to enter the palace tomorrow. Your performance today is good. If you can stabilize tomorrow, everything will basically be done."
Chang Yi clenched his fists and grinned, "Sir, I'll treat you to a meal."
Wang Ju didn't have anything important to say, "Okay, you are much more generous than your father."
Chang Yi paused, "My father also works to support the family. Our whole family depends on him. It's not easy for him to work so hard."
After hearing this, Wang Ju chuckled and thought, who doesn't support the family? Zhou Shuren is just stingy, very stingy.
Inside the palace, the emperor listened to the report and smiled. If Zhou Changyi didn't seize the opportunity he gave him, he would lose face, too. "He is indeed a talent."
Prince, "This is also because Father gave him the opportunity, so he can show his ability."
The emperor also thought he was a good mentor. Just look at Zhou Shuren and you will know that he liked Zhou Shuren at first sight. "Now that the weather is getting warmer, we can continue to work on Rongyuan. Send someone to tell the second son and his family that no one should delay the progress for me."
The prince knew clearly that his father was looking for things for his younger brothers to do, and that he should keep them busy so that they would not have time to plot against him.
The prince was tired. Ever since his brothers got married, they had been plotting against him. Even though they were fighting fiercely now, they had never forgotten about him. If his father had not been trying to hook his brothers from time to time, he would not have been able to deal with it as easily as he was now.
The next day, inside the palace, Chang Yi did not follow Lord Wang this time, but stood beside the Emperor. Chang Yi pinched himself hard to calm himself down, and kept a tense face, concentrating all his attention on listening to the conversation.
The envoy also brought an interpreter with him. Chinese is difficult, so the translation is sometimes not good enough. Chinese is profound and extensive, and the meaning can be greatly affected if translated incorrectly. This time the envoy was not from a nearby country with strong naval power. He was very arrogant when he came, but became obedient after being frightened.
Changyi had suffered from language problems before, so he listened very carefully. The envoy wanted to settle down in the capital, hoping to achieve better communication and also to seek some privileges for himself.
The emperor narrowed his eyes. What for better mutually beneficial development? It was just for the purpose of better gathering of information. The privilege was the proof. If he was really allowed to travel everywhere, he would have understood the capital city thoroughly.
There is no rush for these, as today is only the first day. After the banquet, the envoys left the palace.
Changyi also followed the officials from the Ministry of Rites out of the palace.
In the evening, Chang Yi stayed by his father's side after dinner. "Dad, my son's performance today was also good. Do you think there will be news tomorrow?"
Zhou Shuren, "No."
Chang Yi wilted, "My son doesn't think so either. It's a big deal if the envoys want to stay here."
Zhou Shuren went home and listened to Chang Yi's story before he had dinner. He looked at Chang Yi and was torn as to whether he should help his son. "What you need to do now is to complete all the tasks assigned to you."
Chang Yi was in high spirits again. He heard Lord Wang say that he would have to argue with the envoy for a long time. "Well, son, I'll remember this."
Zhou Shuren waited until his son left, and then sent the maid and the old woman away, and then he whispered, "Do you think I should make a suggestion to the emperor?"
Zhulan disagreed, "You have done enough. As long as the envoy's problem is solved, the imperial edict will come sooner or later."
Zhou Shuren thought about it and smiled to himself, "I really care about these sons. I wasn't like this before."
Zhulan laughed, "So don't accuse me of worrying about everything in the future. I think you're almost there."
Zhou Shuren curled his lips, "Actually, this feeling is pretty good."
Zhulan curled up the corners of her mouth. Zhou Shuren used to be so cold, but now he is full of life. Zhou Shuren and his son are no longer just obligations, but a real father-son relationship.
The next day, after the morning court session, the emperor kept many ministers to discuss the matter of the envoy.
Zhou Shuren stood obediently behind Lord Xiao, listening to the speeches of the grand secretaries. It had happened before that great nations came to pay tribute, and he was quite excited anyway.
Many officials made suggestions, some were happy, but of course some were worried, as they believed that those who were not of our race could not be trusted. Some supported the idea, while others opposed it.
Zhou Shuren listened and felt that no one was slacking off this time and the opinions expressed were all very valuable.
Li Zhao spoke the loudest, "Since you have come to our country, you must abide by our laws. Special privileges are absolutely not allowed."
After saying this, he was ready to quarrel with anyone who dared to talk about a country of etiquette.
Li Zhao's words were supported by many people, because there were some rules for foreigners, and people had already seen the benefits, so they naturally did not want the existence of privileges.
The emperor saw that the others were quiet, especially Zhou Shuren who was so quiet that he seemed as if he didn't exist. Out of habit, the emperor had expectations for Zhou Shuren.