The last letter contained a simple map. The emperor stood up and said to the prince, "Go get the latest coastal map."
The prince stood up hurriedly. He had been guarding this map all the time. He had been studying coastal defense. He quickly took it and signaled Zhou Shuren to hold the other side.
Zhou Shuren was scrolling through the screen frantically in his mind. The ancestors of the Rong family were so awesome. It was consistent with his idea of a retreat. The Rong family had been in business for many years. No wonder there were rumors that the Rong family was rich enough to rival a country.
Zhou Shuren looked up at the sky in silence. It was all fate. The ancestor of the Rong family had calculated everything, but in the end, man had not calculated fate.
Zhou Shuren couldn't help but think that if the box had not been found, this secret would never be exposed and only the Rong family would know it.
The emperor pointed at the map and squinted his eyes. The other two pairs of twins that the Rong family had hidden a hundred years ago were sent away by the Rong family's ancestors a long time ago, so there were still direct branches of the Rong family overseas. The jade pendants in the box were different. They were left behind by the direct branch male in the family tree when he went overseas. The jade pendants were paired, and the other half was taken away.
The emperor pursed his lips and said, "Why don't they come back?"
Zhou Shuren curled his lips in his heart, "When the Rong family was destroyed, those who escaped must have received orders, and they may be waiting for the surviving Rong family members to find them."
Moreover, the direct branch that was separated should have been integrated into overseas for so many years and have roots established, so why would they come back? In addition, without the support of the family in these years, the outside world may not be so good, so it is right to keep a low profile.
The emperor looked at Zhou Shuren deeply, "Your mother's father was a member of the Rong family who protected the Rong family. If the Rong family had not been exterminated, your mother would also be the one who protected the family, so these things appeared in your mother's hands. Your mother is the legitimate daughter who protected this branch, so she left these things to you."
Zhou Shuren was dumbfounded. What did the emperor mean? Bah, let him guard it. No, no, "My surname is Zhou."
Thank you, my last name is Rong. I was so excited to go to heaven a few days ago, but now my face hurts so much!
The emperor said nothing, let go of the map, took out another piece of letter paper from the letter, and told Zhou Shuren to write down everything after reading it and then burn it. Finally, he told Zhou Shuren to find the boy from that year, as he was their bloodline. He also told Zhou Shuren to take responsibility and protect the Rong family after he came to Beijing.
The emperor smiled and shook the letter paper. "Take a look."
Zhou Shuren stared at the last sentence and wanted to vomit blood. He knew that the ancient family mission was engraved in the bones, but mother, there was no need to brainwash him. If it were the original owner, he would definitely agree excitedly, but he was not like that. Now silence is golden!
The emperor picked up the previous letter again, which described the birthmark in detail. The child was two years older than Zhou Shuren. If he was in poor health, he might have died. If he was in good health, he might still be alive, but he was pursing his lips, so it would be difficult to find him.
It was too chaotic back then. Wouldn't it be possible to raise a child who was not one's own in such a chaotic situation? However, he wanted to go and see the Rong family in Waihai.
The emperor looked at the depressed Zhou Shuren and felt better. "According to the family tree, we are cousins."
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes in his heart. There is no blood relationship between them, and besides, there is a world of difference between cousins. This is even farther than three thousand miles.
Prince Liang hooked his fingertips. Now that his father had acknowledged it, Zhou Shuren really had a relationship with the royal family. As for what was written in the letter, although he was curious, it was not more important than his father's personal acknowledgement.
King Liang has not forgotten. He had attacked Rongchuan and had also targeted Zhou Shuren many times. Don't expect Zhou Shuren to be tolerant. After years of dealing with each other, Zhou Shuren would hold a grudge.
Chang Zhi was mentally prepared and his face turned red with excitement. His family really had such a great background. He thought the clan leader would cry when he knew about this, as he must be afraid that the emperor would adopt his father into the Rong family.
Zhou Shuren looked at the key in the box. The letter did not mention the key, and the map only told the location of the Rong family overseas, but did not show any treasure, so his mother didn't know what the key could open, but it was very important for his mother to hold it.
The emperor followed Zhou Shuren's gaze and then read the letter carefully. The letter only said to keep it well and not lose it. Then it disappeared. The grandfather did not tell Zhou Shuren's mother everything.
In the time it took the Emperor to study the box, he was just about to open it. After confirming that there was nothing inside, he said to Zhou Shuren, "Now is not the time to publicize it."
Zhou Shuren wished he would never promote him again, so he simply replied, "Yes, my last name is Zhou."
The emperor stared at Zhou Shuren with a deep gaze. He knew clearly in his heart that Zhou Shuren was unwilling to guard the Rong family. If it were someone else, he would have been very happy. But Zhou Shuren would not do that. Zhou Shuren just thought it was a huge trouble. Then he felt relieved again, which meant that Zhou Shuren had no ambitions. He could rest assured, "It's getting late. Let's go back first."
Zhou Shuren, "Yes, I will take my leave."
He really didn't care about the follow-up, whether it was the treasure that was rich enough to rival a country or finding Rong's family, he didn't want to get involved.
Zhou Shuren and his son left the palace and got on their own carriage. Chang Zhi finally couldn't help asking, "Dad, will the emperor adopt you to the Rong family?"
Zhou Shuren shook his head and whispered, "No, your grandmother is just a member of the Rong family. There are still people in the Rong family alive, so it's not your father's turn. Just be clear about what happened today. Take a rest for two days and go back. The provincial examination will be held soon."
Changzhi was stunned, so he thought too much, and said in a daze, "Oh, okay."
Prince Liang left the palace only after receiving the reward, but he was not happy. He did not get any credit for the great contribution. It was Zhou Shuren who blew himself up. Now, his father will definitely protect Zhou Shuren. According to seniority, Zhou Shuren is his elder. It's really depressing just thinking about it.
Inside the palace, the Emperor told the Crown Prince about the birthmark of the surviving child and said, "Send someone to check."
"yes."
After the prince responded, he asked, "Father, what are these keys?"
The emperor held the key and said, "Back then, it was said that the Rong family was rich enough to rival a country. After the Rong family was exterminated, the ancestral tombs were dug up. Later, I came back and renovated the Rong family tombs. Now these keys show that the Rong family really has hidden wealth."
The prince just looked at the letter and the map, "The Rong family overseas is guarding it?"
The emperor was silent for a while, then raised his lips, "Grandfather planned so much, and he didn't even tell Zhou Shuren's mother. How could he let the Rong family out in the sea know? Even if it was a way out, your grandfather wouldn't trust it. The only one who knows the secret of the key should be my uncle. Unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes."
The prince was walking back and forth, then suddenly stopped, "Father meant that the things are still in the capital, and have always been in the capital."
"Well, this is what I think. The more dangerous it is, the safer it is. The ancestral tomb is definitely out of the question."
The prince frowned, "Where would it be hidden?"
The emperor stood up. He already had a guess in his mind, and the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.