The emperor quickly glanced through the copied accounts, his brows knitted into knots. He had thought that there would be embezzlement, but he didn't expect the amount to be so large. After calculating each item in his mind, his hands itched to grab a knife.
The emperor's facial expression did not change at all, he calmly folded the account books. These would be settled in the autumn, so he had to keep them carefully.
The Emperor folded it and put it away personally, squinting at Zhou Shuren. It was not because the maritime officials were too stupid but because Zhou Shuren was too capable that Zhou Shuren could find these problems in the falsified accounts. He also sent people to calculate it, but the numbers were quite different from what Zhou Shuren gave, and were not as detailed as what Zhou Shuren wrote.
Zhou Shuren knew that the emperor was watching him, so he remained calm. He had been transferred to the outskirts of the capital, and if he kept a low profile he would be at the mercy of others. The more high-profile he was, the more the emperor would pay attention to him. As for being feared, those who were not feared were mediocre. As long as he could find the right balance, it would be fine.
The prince lowered his eyes to the tiles, thinking that Lord Zhou must have written something extraordinary. He thought to himself that Lord Zhou really did not play by the rules, and he fooled everyone except his father.
The emperor smiled and said, "My dear minister, you have done a great service. What do you want?"
Zhou Shuren lowered his head and cursed in his heart. The emperor was really suspicious and was testing him. "I have a large family to support, and this little son was just born. I like him."
The emperor interrupted and said with a smile: "I understand what you mean, my dear minister. So, I will name your youngest son Zhou Changzhong."
Zhou Shuren, “… .”
If this had not happened in ancient times, he would have really beaten someone up. He would have been choked to death. He and Zhulan had been thinking of a name for a long time. He has been busy as a dog these days and has not stopped thinking of a name for his son. You just came up with a name. Although the emperor's name has a different meaning, he really doesn't need it. He has a heart attack and needs such a crappy name. Zhou Changzhong, there is no doubt that it must be the Zhong in loyalty. Who chose it
Prince, “… .”
Although he couldn't see Lord Zhou's expression, he knew that Lord Zhou must be furious. Ever since his father asked him to send a gift, he had realized a lot and paid more attention to Lord Zhou's mansion. He knew that the name had not been decided yet, so he just wanted to give it a good one.
The prince felt inexplicably relieved. He was no longer the only one facing his father. Sometimes his father could really make people angry to death.
Zhou Shuren cursed enough in his heart before he lowered his head to thank the emperor, "Thank you for the name."
It makes me angry. If you don't thank me, it would be disloyal. It really makes me sad.
The emperor was in an especially good mood, and said cheerfully, "It's getting late, Lord Zhou, please go back."
Zhou Shuren's mouth twitched. He worked so hard, but this was the result. He didn't even have a sip of water. You're so cruel. "Yes."
Eunuch Liu sighed in his heart, Lord Zhou won't smile this time, after so many years of experience, all those who were valued by the emperor have been choked by the emperor, Eunuch Liu lowered his head, "Lord Zhou, please."
Zhou Shuren lowered his head and retreated. After leaving the hall, he gritted his teeth and followed Eunuch Liu. What was the use of high salary? It was his son's name for a lifetime!
I regret it so much. If I had known earlier, I would have just circled a name from my own choices. Any of them would be better than the one chosen by the emperor. My son and I feel sorry for you, so I will give you a nickname.
In the hall, the emperor collected the account book and said to the prince, "Our Lord Zhou likes money, so I will give him 100 taels of gold and a pair of glass cups. You can deliver them in person."
The emperor was in a good mood. The right assistant minister had a very wealthy family. Thinking about closing the net and making another fortune, the emperor was unusually generous.
The prince was surprised. He knew that the name given by his father was meant as a warning, but he didn't expect that his father would give him a reward. In fact, personally giving a name was already a reward. The prince thought that Lord Zhou's position in his father's heart had risen again, "Yes."
The emperor wrote the three characters "Zhou Changzhong" with a flourish of his brush, "Give this to Zhou Shuren as well."
The prince suppressed the twitching of his lips. The words written by his father could not be torn up or burned, but had to be framed. He sympathized with Lord Zhou and said, "Yes."
Zhou Shuren did not meet the prince again on his way out of the palace. It made sense that the prince did not have the courage to inquire about the affairs of the Zheng Palace.
Eunuch Liu walked slowly, and Zhou Shuren became anxious watching him. He was thirsty, and it was really a torture to go to the palace. His knees hurt, and he didn't want to kneel so honestly, but he had to do it.
Finally arriving at the palace gate, Zhou Shuren looked up at the sky speechlessly. Oh my god, the prince arrived earlier than him. Does that mean Eunuch Liu took a detour
Eunuch Liu lowered his head, thinking to himself that since he didn't have this tacit understanding with the emperor, he didn't need to stay by the emperor's side.
The prince saw Lord Zhou's reaction and raised his lips. Lord Zhou may not look impressive, but he has great abilities. He didn't expect his personality to be quite interesting. No wonder his father was willing to bully Lord Zhou. "Lord, the emperor has rewarded you with gold..."
Zhou Shuren didn't hear anything else; his attention was focused on the paper he took.
After returning to the carriage, Zhou Shuren sneered. He thought he was very skilled in Taoism, but compared with the emperor, he was still not so good!