Chapter 1471: Chapter 1471: True Intentions
Zhou Shuren silently drank his soup. These weren’t the kind of things you could learn just by watching the drama unfold. It seems Prince Chu is well-informed.
Prince Qi understands the third prince very well. The Emperor would no longer allow women from the Grassland Tribe into the palace. The remaining tribes are like wolves without teeth; they have no value, not even the qualifications to be pawns.
The Emperor would also not allow them to associate with the princes, so what exactly does Prince Chu know?
Zhou Shuren suddenly paused while drinking his soup. His gaze fell on Prince Qi. Prince Chu was concerned about Xu Chen’s marriage, yet he didn’t think it was linked to the conversation from earlier. However, just because the Emperor didn’t have that intention doesn’t mean the Grassland Tribes weren’t plotting. Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes, saying, "Once you arrive in the capital, it’s best to follow the rules."
Prince Chu raised his wine cup. "That’s why people say you’re brilliant!"
He believed he hadn’t revealed much information, yet Zhou Shuren immediately understood. The tribes heading to the capital knew they couldn’t enter the palace, so they set their sights on the residences of the princes. After all, every prince’s household had sons.
Prince Chu admitted he felt a hint of schadenfreude. Why not? All the princes had sons, except for his second brother’s eldest, who stayed by the younger fifth prince’s side, occasionally appearing in the palace.
Prince Qi wasn’t slow to react; he simply had his blind spots. Like the Emperor, he couldn’t be bothered dealing with the remaining tribes. "Heh, they really have the audacity to scheme."
His eldest son was outstanding. Currently, he was managing affairs in Pinggang, waiting for an opportunity to lead independently. The future of Qi Prince Residence rested on his eldest son, yet before Prince Qi could choose a suitable marriage alliance, others were already eyeing him.
Zhou Shuren pondered. Although he didn’t want to exert himself, being at the center of power left little choice. The schemes of the Grassland Tribes would ultimately result in failure. The Emperor was set on reforming the Grasslands, which would minimize the influence of tribal leaders in the capital, and proposals of marriage wouldn’t carry much sway.
At Zhoujia Village, the Zhou family clan and Lady Li’s family donated only a small amount of grain to the county. But after that, they set up porridge stalls outside the county city. Lady Li’s family also opened one.
The Zhou family’s actions were copied by the Dong family clan. Soon, others donated grain as well, enabling impoverished citizens to receive relief.
The county magistrate only managed a forced smile. He’d hoped to get more grain from the families to boost his reputation in Pingzhou, but now the families were donating on their own terms, adding polite disclaimers to ensure he wouldn’t have to worry, as though they were doing him a favor.
The Zhou Clan Leader spoke confidently, "Sir, rest assured. We will set up porridge stalls privately and guarantee that the starving citizens get food. We won’t cause you trouble."
The county magistrate had no choice but to swallow his bitterness and express gratitude, deeply regretting that he hadn’t donated more grain himself. By now, it was too late to undo anything.
He couldn’t openly criticize. The Zhou family clan had indeed contributed little to the government office but had privately set up porridge stalls. No one could accuse them of stinginess. Besides, they cleverly linked the magistrate’s relatively small donation to their actions, forcing him to smile and repeatedly thank them.
Jiang Miu didn’t originally intend to donate directly to the government office. The current plan was far better. The county magistrate was left to stew in private frustration, having been outmaneuvered after attempting to scheme.
The next day, the Zhou family found themselves thrust into the spotlight, and low-key gestures became impossible. The Emperor, surprisingly genuine this time, openly praised Zhou Shuren’s achievements.
Even after the dinner banquet ended, citizens continued to talk enthusiastically.
The few remaining Grassland Tribes who had entered the capital also heard the news. Out of seven tribes affiliated with the Imperial court, two had betrayed them during a war and were exterminated outright. Another was made an example of, leaving only four tribes whose leaders brought their families obediently into the capital.
The Emperor provided them with decent residences, but for people accustomed to freedom on the Grasslands, the environment was stifling.
That day, the Emperor summoned several tribal leaders into the palace. When they emerged, their expressions were grim, but they dared not complain before Prince Qin. Entering the palace full of hope, they left feeling oppressed.
Rongchuan returned from the palace to the Hou Residence. He wanted to speak with his father. Before starting the serious conversation, he mentioned what happened that day. "Father, the Emperor asked the tribal leaders to voluntarily relinquish their noble titles."
Zhou Shuren replied, "I thought the Emperor would directly issue an edict."
Rongchuan winked at his father-in-law knowingly. Both understood the need for appearances sometimes.
Zhou Shuren, recalling Prince Chu’s remarks from the previous day, asked, "Did the leaders bring up marriage proposals during their audience?"
Rongchuan remembered how his second brother had clung to him all day yesterday and burst into laughter. "Of course, they did. They truly dared to bring it up, still behaving like tribal leaders while confined to the capital. The Emperor reacted as though he was staring at fools."
Zhou Shuren pictured it and couldn’t help but laugh. He then asked, "When I was healthy, I saw the Emperor’s map plans for reforming the Grasslands. Were the provincial divisions finalized?"
"The Emperor has been very invested in the provincial divisions, personally sketching the map. He even said—"
"Said what?"
Rongchuan rubbed his nose. "He said once you recover, he’d discuss with you early next year how to improve Livestock Prefecture."
Zhou Shuren let out an "Oh." The ideas he’d proposed indeed had areas that needed refinement.
Rongchuan mentioned the bleak state of the Grasslands. "Regarding provincial divisions, the Emperor ultimately entrusted the task to me. Father, I’ll be honest—I don’t want to go."
Zhou Shuren raised his head. "Only you can manage this effectively. If not you, then who?"
Rongchuan wanted to suggest his second brother or others, but he knew the Emperor didn’t want to overly empower those brothers. He admitted, "I’m worried about Xue Han and the child."
"It’s better if you worry about yourself. This assignment is grueling and fraught with danger. You must be cautious and guard against threats."
Though the Imperial court had subdued the Grasslands, it had caused extensive bloodshed. The accumulated animosity meant Rongchuan faced numerous potential threats.
Rongchuan acknowledged, "The Emperor has assigned me half of his personal guards."
Zhou Shuren frowned. "When did this happen?"
Rongchuan replied, "Before you fell ill."
"You shouldn’t accept these guards."
"I know they’re risky. The Emperor said he wouldn’t leave the capital in the future, and keeping the guards under his control was wasteful. He cited concern for my safety since I’ll be traveling extensively. He also confided it was the Emperor’s suggestion in the first place."
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard. "What’s your plan?"
"I’ll take the guards with me on this dangerous mission to the Grasslands. When I return, I’ll stop traveling and return all the guards to the Emperor. The Qin Prince Residence’s guards are sufficient."
Zhou Shuren asked sharply, "What if the Emperor refuses to take them back?"
Rongchuan spread his hands. "Then I’ll feign illness. With both my father and mother still alive, I’ll just rest and recover. Anyway, with the war over, the Emperor has consolidated his power and groomed his confidants. He wouldn’t truly blame me for a year or two of recuperation."
"As long as you understand your priorities."
"Father, everything I’ve learned was guided by you. I have never lost sight of my principles."
Zhou Shuren felt deeply reassured. Rongchuan, even after rejoining the royal family, had remained genuinely loyal to the Zhou clan.