Zhou Shuren became alert. He summoned the emperor for no reason. Now with the new emperor's image, this kind of private summons always gave him a bad premonition.
Sure enough, Zhou Shuren got a list, and behind the list came a string of family businesses.
Wow, the new emperor has figured out everything about these old forces!
The new emperor said, "Lord Zhou is the person my father trusts the most, and he is also a minister whom I rely on."
Zhou Shuren's face was serious, but he said in his heart, here it comes.
The new emperor continued, "Please invite the person I marked above to have some tea and chat in private. As for what to talk about, I believe Lord Zhou understands."
Zhou Shuren, "..."
He knew that nothing good was going to happen. In the previous dynasty, he was valued by the emperor. Although he was the rise of a new force, he was not feared by the old forces. By the time they began to fear him, he had already become a royal relative.
Although his career had never come into conflict with these forces, it did not mean that he was unaware of the persistence of some families. He had to hand over the power he had acquired and cut off his losses!
Zhou Shuren took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty trusts me too much. I still know my own limitations."
The new emperor smiled and said, "I know Lord Zhou very well, so this matter can only be Lord Zhou."
When he first came to power, he did not intend to fight to the death with these old forces. He wanted to gather power little by little. He was not in a hurry to do it slowly, but the game was inevitable. Now he has basically figured out the bottom line. When these old forces are not threatening, they fight among themselves and become scattered. When they are threatened, they unite very well. This is not easy to deal with. Therefore, the best way is to disintegrate from within.
He thought about it and decided who would be the most suitable person to do it. It had to be Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren had fully demonstrated his ability through his several performances. Moreover, Lord Zhou was very good at arguing with people. Besides, he was not involved with any forces, so he was the most suitable candidate.
Zhou Shuren wanted to say something, but when he met the new emperor's trusting eyes, he fell silent. When did he give the new emperor the illusion that he could talk down the old-school forces
After Zhou Shuren was sent out by Eunuch Zhang, he turned back to look at the study in Zheng Palace, but unfortunately he could not see the emperor.
Zhou Shuren was already tired, and now his head was buzzing. He made two clicks of the tongue. The new emperor finally began to exploit him!
At the Zhou family, Zhulan and Suxuan were discussing what to do for the New Year. This year has a different meaning for the Zhou family. It is not only about promotion, wealth, and a large family, but also because the threat from the Zhou family is gone.
So we must have a prosperous year.
Zhulan said to Yushuang and the others, "Tell us what you think."
Yu Shuang had some ideas, "Grandma, can we sisters be responsible for the purchase and decoration of each courtyard?"
Zhu Lan smiled and said, "It seems you have an idea. Okay, if you need anything, go to the accounting office and get some money."
Yu Shuang and Yu Lu looked at each other with excitement in their eyes, and they said in unison: "Thank you, grandma."
Seeing that Yu Shuang and the others had already taken pens to write down the things they needed to buy, Su Xuan turned around to look at her lazy and sleepy daughter, feeling helpless.
Su Xuan pushed her daughter and said, "Don't sleep."
Yuwen yawned. The room was warm and the small kang was also warm. It was a perfect environment for sleeping. She met her mother's threatening eyes, slowly got up and sat next to her elder sister.
Yu Shuang gave up her seat to Yu Wen, then pulled Yu Wen aside and asked her what kind of lantern she liked.
Su Xuan then withdrew her gaze with satisfaction. Zhu Lan felt that it was too early for the fourth daughter-in-law to feel relieved.
Sure enough, less than a cup of tea later, Zhulan looked up and saw that Yuwen had already covered herself with Yushuang's sleeve, and had fallen asleep with her little head leaning against her sister.
Yu Shuang is a gentle elder sister. Now she just speaks and keeps her hands still, for fear of waking up her sleepy younger sister.
Zhulan laughed and shook her head. No one could do anything to Yuwen. Although this girl was lazy, she was really smart. She learned things quickly, so she had more time to be lazy.
Zhulan drew up the list in her hand. This year, all the servants in the mansion would buy two new sets of clothes, and a few more dishes would be added.
Su Xuan estimated the money in her mind and said, "Mom, this year's New Year's Day is twice as much as in previous years."
Zhulan was happy, "This year is a festive year, this money is nothing."
Su Xuan smiled and put away the list. Just as she was about to say something, Steward Ding rushed in and said, "Madam, Duke Ning is gone."
Zhu Lan was stunned for a moment, "This is too sudden."
She met the Empress Dowager in the market and heard some news about the Duke's Mansion from time to time. It was clear that a few days ago, the Empress Dowager said that the old Duke was in good health and could eat a plate of dumplings in one meal.
Steward Ding said, "We have sent someone to inquire."
Zhulan said: "Go and see for yourself."
Butler Ding: "Yes."
Su Xuan waited for Butler Ding to leave, "This is so unexpected."
Zhu Lan sighed, "Yes, I thought the old Duke would live a few more years."
Unfortunately, humans cannot fight death and their life span is over.
Duke Ningguo died suddenly. Why was it so sudden? Because the old duke was taking a nap and never woke up again. He passed away during his nap and his face was still peaceful.
Ning Xu became the backbone of the Duke's Mansion. After Ning Xu sent his servants out to notify everyone, he calmly changed his father's clothes and carried up the coffin that had been prepared long ago.
The younger generation of the Duke's Mansion are in the academy and have not returned yet. The only people crying now are a few great-granddaughters, and the Song family is still busy hanging up white papers in the mansion and waiting.
Ning Xu was still relatively calm, because his father had indeed been acting a little strange these past few days. He had been holding him back from returning to the mansion, telling him stories of the past every day and mumbling to himself from time to time.
He had a feeling in his heart, but seeing that his father ate and drank well, he just paid attention and didn't think much about it. He didn't expect that the old man would really leave so suddenly.
Ning Xu's eyes were red. The old man said that he no longer had anything to worry about, so there was nothing to explain. Indeed, there was nothing to explain. Everything that should be divided in the family had been divided, and everything that should be arranged had been arranged.
Ministry of Revenue. Ning Zhiqi was a little bit unbelieving when he received the news. But looking at the red eyes of the servants at home, he had to believe it. His grandfather really went there. He hurriedly rushed back with the servants without even asking for leave.
Zhou Shuren learned the news that Ning Zhiqi had left the Ministry of Revenue. Zhou Shuren was a little stunned. The old Duke who represented an era was really gone.
The retired emperor did not come today. When the retired emperor and the empress dowager learned the news, they were playing chess.
After receiving the news, the Queen Mother's chessboard was overturned due to her panic, and the chess pieces were scattered all over the floor. Although she was panicked, she quickly calmed down and took the female official to change clothes.
The retired emperor remained silent, and finally sighed, then stood up to change his clothes, intending to go to the Duke's Mansion with his wife.
Xuehan changed her clothes quickly and then came to wait for her mother-in-law.
The journey back to the Duke's Mansion from the academy is the slowest because the academy is quite far away.
The carriage from the Prince of Qin's Mansion arrived at the Duke's Mansion. After the Queen Mother got off the carriage, she walked to the door but was a little afraid to go in. She regretted not leaving the palace to spend more time with her father.