Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Although there was still no rain near the capital, the wells were dug smoothly. The prince was afraid that the officials below would deceive the court and embezzle the money for well digging and not dig wells, so people were sent to supervise the well digging in the states where drought occurred.
Zhulan's family also dug a well. An experienced person who was able to identify the water veins found water after just a few drills. It was quite a skill.
The capital city is also very lively. Civilian doctors in the capital have taken the exam and the list has been posted. Doctors on the list will be able to receive their salaries next month.
Zhou Shuren also breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought of everything he could think of. If there was enough money in the national treasury, he could just buy more food.
Zhulan received a letter from Xuzhou at home. Xuzhou is located in the south and some distance away from the north. There was no drought or heavy rain. It is near the sea, so it can be said that the weather is good.
Zhulan looked at the list she brought back. Her son had sent a lot of dried seafood. The Zhou family had no shortage of food. There were two wells in the mansion, and the water veins there were sufficient, so they also planted vegetables in the garden.
Zhulan received a letter from Lao Si a few days ago. Maybe the feng shui of her hometown is really good. It rained in a few days. Although the banker was affected a little, it was not much.
Zhao said, "I don't know what the situation is like in Lizhou City."
Zhulan hadn't received any letters from Lizhou City for some time. "We dug a lot of ice cellars that year, but if there is a drought, the orchard will be in trouble."
Zhulan asked Mrs. Song again, "It's almost time for Yang Wen to take a day off, right?"
Mrs. Song always remembered the date, "Three more days."
Zhulan made a note and said, "When Yang Wen comes back, I will ask the child whether he received the letter or not."
Zhao was still thinking about her brother, his only relative from her mother's side. They had gotten along well over the past two years and their relationship had deepened. "Mother, I want to send someone to Lizhou to check on him, so that the letter would not only report good news but also bad news."
"Okay, then send someone to Lizhou to take a look."
As they were talking, Butler Wang came in with a letter, "Madam, this is a letter from the Second Master."
Zhulan sat up straight and said, "Bring it here for me to see."
Zhao stretched her neck anxiously; her husband had been gone for almost half a year.
Zhulan read the letter and grinned, "We have arrived in Pinggang and will return to Beijing tomorrow. We will be able to enter Beijing in the evening when we return with a fast horse."
Zhao chanted the Buddha's name, "It's good as long as it's safe, it's good as long as it's safe."
Only when her husband stepped on land did she feel completely relieved.
Zhulan was also happy, "Tell the master about this happy event."
At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren received a letter from home, and with a smile on his face, he said to Mr. Qiu, "We need silver."
Qiu Yan was stunned, "How do you know?"
"I know my kid well. If he didn't bring back the silver, wouldn't he have sent a letter home in advance? He's here to announce the good news first!"
Qiu Yan was silent. The Zhou family's children had a lot of twists and turns in their minds. He suddenly felt that his children were too innocent, so they had no future. Then he was happy again, "It's good to have money. Now is the time when we are short of money."
Zhou Shuren has confidence in his second son, who has the potential to be a profiteer, and he is happy about it.
The King of Chu came in, "It seems that Lord Zhou has already known that the envoy has returned."
The smile on Zhou Shuren's face faded. He had been fed up with the King of Chu recently. "Your Highness, this is the Ministry of Revenue. I am the Minister of Revenue."
Don’t ask him anymore. Ever since he was tricked out, the King of Chu has been keeping an eye on him and comes to visit from time to time!
The King of Chu did not take Zhou Shuren's words seriously. After all, face is something that can be used when it is useful, and can be used or not when it is not useful. "My lord, I also want to do a good job. It is difficult for me."
It's really difficult for him. He can't compare with the King of Qi. The King of Qi has a good grandfather who plans a way out for him, but he doesn't. The King of Qi can let go and withdraw easily, but he can't. It's not easy for him to break away.
His current assignment is an opportunity. Well, it is also an opportunity given to him by the prince. If he does it well, he can buy himself some time. If he doesn't do it well, he will have to pay more debts in the future.
So between the Crown Prince and Lord Zhou, the Crown Prince naturally chose Lord Zhou who had no lethal power!
Qiu Yan had already slipped to the door, "Master Zhou, you are busy."
Zhou Shuren, "..."
He is really not busy. Besides, Qiu Yan is worthy of being a rabbit. He runs away at the slightest sign of trouble.
Zhou Shuren stared at the book in the King of Chu's hand and cursed the prince in his heart. If it weren't for the prince's connivance, the King of Chu wouldn't have come to him again and again. The prince also wanted him to help the King of Chu do his job. "I think I know how I died."
The King of Chu was puzzled, "Why did you suddenly say death?"
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes, "Because I'll be exhausted."
The King of Chu handed over the book in his hand. "This is the list of doctors reported by various states. There is not enough time this year, so let's leave it like this. Next year, they will all come to the capital for examinations, and there are some follow-up arrangements. These are what I added. Your Excellency proposed them. Please take a look at whether they are safe."
Zhou Shuren knew he couldn't avoid it, so he could only take the notebook and look through it. What he was actually talking about was the framework, which still required a lot of details, all of which were filled in by the King of Chu. The subsequent supervision was very good. He looked up at the King of Chu with regret in his eyes. He didn't understand why talented people like to be born in groups. Wouldn't it be better to disperse them a little
The King of Chu was confident in his abilities, "Why do you think so of me, my Lord?"
Zhou Shuren closed the notebook and said, "Your Highness has done a great job. I have nothing to add."
The King of Chu smiled. This was a recognition of his ability. To be honest, he admired Zhou Shuren's ability. Putting aside the previous conflicts, some of Zhou Shuren's ways of dealing with people were still very likable, and he did not hide anything from him this time.
The King of Chu thought for a moment and said, "I thank you, Lord Zhou."
Zhou Shuren moved the corners of his mouth, but finally accepted the thanks. This was what he deserved.
Inside the palace, the emperor looked at the memorial sent by the diplomatic envoys and laughed, "Good, good."
The prince was also delighted. This time he not only brought back silver, but also obtained the mining rights. "Wu Ming is good."
He valued Wu Ming. Wu Ming was very capable. He satisfied him when he cleaned up the Ministry of Rites last time, and he did not disappoint him this time.
The emperor pointed at the memorial and said, "This Zhou Changyi is not bad. He is bold and smart. He came up with a lot of good ideas during this negotiation."
The prince also nodded, "It's true, but it's a pity that he hasn't read many books."
The emperor changed the subject, "Zhou Shuren's sons all have their own personalities, and they are all good."
The prince asked, "Father, all the people who went on this mission have made contributions. I think they should all be rewarded."
The emperor agreed, "Reward according to merit, you can give me the reward!"
The prince suppressed his excitement and said, "Yes."
Eunuch Liu came in, "His Royal Highness Prince Liang requests an audience."
The emperor was in a good mood now, and signaled Eunuch Liu to summon Prince Liang.
Prince Liang came in quickly and said, "Your Highness, I greet you."
The emperor motioned for him to stand up, "Tell me, have you found anyone from the Rong family?"
King Liang said: "Yes, after my son's repeated investigations and confirmations, he did find traces of the Rong family, but..."
The emperor's tone was a little anxious, "Just what?"