A few days later, Zhou Changyi and Gu Zhuomin, two candidates from the Ministry of Rites, and Zheng Qing, a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, signed up. There was also a seventh-rank official from the Ministry of Works, who was appointed not only for diplomatic missions, but also for studying abroad.
Now there is only one spot left, which is interesting.
Zhulan heard what Wang said and repeated, "Mingshan is sick?"
Wang was very smart, and because of her intelligence, she knew her husband very well. If her husband deliberately fell ill, he would definitely be disliked by Lord Zhou. For the sake of her children, she made the choice very early, so she had no burden to tell on him. "Yes, I took two cold showers."
Zhulan's eyes were full of sarcasm. It had only been a short time since the spring ploughing season and the weather was still a bit cold. She was afraid that he would do this to her. "I know."
Wang thought for a moment and said, "He has been very anxious recently."
Zhulan knew why she was anxious. There was only one spot left, and Zhou Mingshan was afraid that Zhou Shuren would let him go.
Wang left, and Zhulan pointed at the table. As long as Zhou Mingshan occupied the identity of a member of the Zhou family, he was taking advantage of their family. She didn't care about his little thoughts. It would be abnormal if he didn't have any little thoughts. But she was disgusted by him treating her and Zhou Shuren as fools again and again.
Zhulan felt that she should talk to Changzhi in the evening. As they were both in the Hanlin Academy, Changzhi should make his attitude clear.
In the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was surprised that the retired emperor would come. The retired emperor had not come for some time and had been helping the emperor in the palace recently.
After Zhou Shuren greeted him, the emperor said, "I thought your people would take the initiative to accompany you on the mission."
Zhou Shuren curled his lips and said, "Everyone in the tribe has their own ideas. I have never thought of controlling them."
The emperor sat down. He believed Zhou Shuren's words. Zhou Shuren didn't even want to be the patriarch. Of course, if Zhou Shuren became the patriarch, he would not trust Zhou Shuren so much. The patriarch of a clan must take on the responsibilities of the patriarch and plan for the family.
The Emperor smiled, "Your people are sick."
Zhou Shuren felt his face was extremely painful, as if he had been slapped hard. He was furious, but he did not move at all. Zhou Mingshan, on the other hand, was adding drama to himself. How stupid! He really thought he could hide it from the emperor.
Zhou Shuren now knew that the emperor really intended to let Zhou Mingshan go with him. This was actually well-intentioned. It would be much easier for Leader Changyi to have help from his clansmen.
As a result, Zhou Mingshan took ruthless action against himself and resisted leaving Beijing.
The retired emperor drank tea and glanced at Zhou Shuren with a sullen face. In the past few days, he and the emperor thought that the last spot must go to a member of Zhou Shuren's family. At that time, this member of the family was able to stay in Beijing because of Zhou Shuren's face. As a result, when he got the news, the retired emperor came to see Zhou Shuren.
Zhou Shuren, "I have always believed that if it is not a sincere return, it is better not to have it."
Although I said this, I still felt embarrassed. It's one thing to actively return the favor, but not taking the initiative is not forcing him, so what do you mean by hiding!
Zhou Shuren comforted himself, thinking that it was a good thing that Gu Zhuomin went with them, and he felt much better.
The emperor smiled when he heard it. At this time, Zhou Shuren knew how to protect his face. "You are really capable of saying that."
Zhou Shuren pulled the corner of his mouth, pretending he didn't hear the emperor's ridicule, and sneered in his heart. Zhou Mingshan obviously had a good future. As long as he took the initiative, the emperor would not treat him unfairly. Even if he didn't go, he wouldn't make a fuss. Now, the emperor remembered this person.
Zhou Shuren's eyes were deep. Having him as a backer was a double-edged sword. If you followed his steps, there would always be benefits waiting for you. If you did the opposite, you would have to be prepared to be bitten back.
The emperor drank all the tea before speaking, "But I think he is quite suitable."
Zhou Shuren, "The Emperor is wise and wise."
The retired emperor left with a smile. Zhou Shuren rubbed his face and said, this is the emperor. If Mingshan hadn't added any drama, it would never have been his turn. Now, the more you hide, the harder it is to avoid.
In the afternoon, Changzhi went home first. When he came back, his face looked unusually ugly. Zhulan looked at her fourth son and guessed that Zhou Mingshan had deliberately been sick.
Chang Zhi was so angry, "Mom, he deliberately got sick, as if our family forced him to do so. It's disgusting."
Zhulan, "Go to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow and have a good chat with a few people."
Chang Zhi was no longer angry, "Yes, my son will definitely find someone to have a good talk with Zhou Mingshan."
Zhou Shuren came in at this time, "The last spot has been reserved, Zhou Mingshan."
Zhulan and Changzhi were stunned.
Zhou Shuren briefly summarized the words of the retired emperor. In the end, Zhou Mingshan brought his own death upon himself and would not gain any benefit from leaving Beijing this time.
Changzhi's face turned red with anger, "Damn it, he made Dad lose face."
Not only did he embarrass himself, but he also implicated his father.
Zhou Shuren pressed his brows and said, "Go back to the Hanlin Academy and find a few people to explain clearly that it was not our family who forced Zhou Mingshan."
Changzhi clenched his fists and said, "My son will explain it clearly."
Zhou Shuren went in to change his clothes. He was no longer angry now. It was not worth getting angry over someone who was not worth it.
Changyi came back late, and dinner was already over when he came back. Recently, he and Gu Zhuomin have been busy catching up on their knowledge.
Zhou Shuren said, "Dinner is in the kitchen and will be brought to your yard soon."
Chang Yi was in a happy mood, "Dad, the country we will be sent to has been decided. It's the country where the Countess is."
Zhou Shuren was surprised, "I thought it would be the country where Prince Joey is."
Chang Yi shook his head, "No, the country where the Countess is located is more stable. The new king has been in office for three years and has taken the initiative to submit a letter of credence. It is most suitable for long-term residence and development."
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard and said, "It seems that Prince Joey will make big moves in the next one or two years."
The dispute over the successor to the throne will inevitably lead to chaos in the country. The emperor must have a deal with this Prince Joey. He recalled the world map in his mind and curled his lips. Oh, the two countries are neighbors, and the diplomatic envoy now has other meanings.
Chang Yi was familiar with his father's movements, and it was obvious that his father had figured out something. "Dad, did you see something?"
Zhou Shuren looked at his second son who still knew nothing. This kid was very capable of making trouble. This should also be what the emperor valued. He simply made the two countries adjacent to each other. Prince Joey's ambition said, "You should receive orders by then. Now you know what's going on, so you can make some preparations early."
Chang Yi was frightened. He thought it was just a simple diplomatic mission to establish diplomatic relations. He was too naive. "Dad, we are allowed to bring fifty people with us on this mission. I think doctors are very important, and we also have herb seeds."
Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes. After serving as an official for so many years, his family had also trained some doctors. "I know."
He had originally planned to send some out to broaden people's horizons.
The next day, the decree came down quickly. Zhou Mingshan was shocked at home. How could it be possible? He was already sick, so why did they choose him
Wang frowned, then relaxed her brows. It was good that her husband was not at home.
When Zhou Mingshan recovered and returned to the Hanlin Academy, he found that everyone looked at him differently.
Uncle Chang Zhi ignored him as if he was a stranger.