Chapter 1475: Chapter 1475: Gained Weight
The young prince’s whole body stiffened, facing Zhou Shuren’s all-knowing gaze, he tightened his face and said, "Thank you, sir."
"No need."
After Chang Yi and the others had left, he sneered. Originally, the Zhou family didn’t want to deal with the Prince of Grassland living pretentiously in sickness. This young prince had ambitions. What he saw just now was clear: as soon as this one spotted Yu Yi and the others, he rushed straight over.
The young servant and maidens accompanying his own daughters were numerous, and Ming Rui was also there. Though they weren’t afraid of the prince charging at Yu Yi and her group, it was still extremely infuriating.
Ming Rui said, "Father, Mother."
Chang Yi responded with a light grunt, "Such a pity."
It didn’t take Ming Rui long to understand what was pitiful. Yu Yueyang had been eliminated, placing third. Despite being third, Yu Yueyang was exceptionally happy, grinning broadly.
Chang Yi laughed. "This child really doesn’t act much like he’s sixteen."
Yu Yi glanced over and only thought he seemed foolish, yet that smile was strikingly pure, tugging the corners of her own lips upward.
Inside the restaurant, Zhou Shuren’s private box, the Crown Prince entered with the Fourth Prince. Zhou Shuren remarked, "Your Highness certainly has a lot of courage."
The streets outside were densely packed with people, not only had he left the palace, but he had also brought the Fourth Prince.
The Crown Prince said, "Father is here too."
Zhou Shuren’s expression stiffened, "...Where’s the Emperor?"
The Crown Prince grinned, "At the restaurant across the street."
Zhou Shuren sighed. "...Am I expected to go over?"
"Father asked me to pass on a message: Lantern Festival is over; it’s time for you to return to court."
Zhou Shuren rubbed his nose. The Emperor hadn’t pressured him, but he planned to attend court the next day anyway. He’d been meaning to have a private discussion with the Emperor—yes, those few Grassland princes needed to be dealt with.
The next morning, Zhou Shuren nearly failed to get out of bed. Having grown accustomed to waking up naturally during his convalescence, it was rather difficult to rise early. Even sitting in the carriage left him nodding off.
Upon arriving at the palace gates, Zhou Shuren stepped off the carriage. Familiar acquaintances approached, checking that his health was fully restored, offering their congratulations.
Old Minister Wen chimed in, "If Marquis Zhou hadn’t returned to court soon, I would’ve thought you were ready to retire!"
Zhou Shuren knew Old Minister Wen harbored grievances—after all, the Zhou family had triumphed last night. With a polite yet insincere smile, he replied, "You’re older than me and haven’t retired yet. Naturally, I must continue to shine for the Imperial court, wouldn’t you agree?"
Old Minister Wen snorted. "Marquis Zhou may be younger, but seeing your hair, I assumed you’re older than me!"
Zhou Shuren stroked his hair. "What can I say, I worry too much. That’s just a testament to my contributions. You wouldn’t understand, but I get it."
Old Minister Wen wanted to retort further, but his eldest son pulled him away. Snorting again, he turned his head.
Zhou Shuren wasn’t done sparring. Casting his gaze over the gathered ministers, his eyes fell on Mr. Ding, who quickly turned his head away—yes, that one no longer dared to oppose him.
The morning assembly discussed establishing provinces in the grasslands and appointing officials to manage them. With so much work to be done and the populace primarily being nomadic herders, none of the officials had experience, nor did anyone volunteer. When the Emperor asked, they all acted timidly, avoiding eye contact.
Zhou Shuren scanned the room. Tch, everyone wanted prime postings elsewhere. Thankfully, the Zhou family had nothing to worry about—the Emperor wouldn’t assign another provincial official from his family.
The Emperor had long anticipated this reaction; fortunately, he already had candidates in mind.
The assembly concluded swiftly. Zhou Shuren lingered, and the Emperor scrutinized him before commenting, "Marquis Zhou seems to have gained weight."
Zhou Shuren replied, "The wrinkles on my face have indeed reduced."
The Emperor twitched his mouth—how could one describe their weight gain like that? "Marquis Zhou, are you well-rested?"
"If I weren’t well-rested, could I continue resting?"
Paid leave aside, constant rewards had come in. Such a life—he could easily rest till the end of his days.
"You cannot," answered the Emperor.
"Oh," Zhou Shuren replied.
The Emperor rolled his eyes internally. This old fox was too crafty. "Sit down, Marquis Zhou."
Zhou Shuren took his seat. Before the Emperor spoke further, he interjected, "Your Majesty, last night I encountered the young prince from the Ege tribe. His vigor looked excellent, clearly showing that the Prince of Ege has fully recovered."
The Emperor internally scoffed. To delay matters, these people had deliberately tortured themselves into illness—cold water baths in winter? Hah, why hadn’t they killed themselves yet? "I saw that too," he said.
Zhou Shuren grunted in acknowledgement.
The Emperor continued, "I’ve already instructed Prince Qi to visit them personally."
Zhou Shuren’s beard visibly curled upward—off to threaten them, then. "Your Majesty is merciful."
The Emperor knew the young prince from the Ege tribe had targeted the Zhou family daughters yesterday. This prince was cunning, skilled in schemes, having murdered his siblings and even his newly wed wife halfway to the capital. The Zhou family held nobility, his favor, and power in their hands, making them prime targets.
He asked, "During your sick leave, I couldn’t ask before. Let me now inquire—what are your plans for arranging betrothals?"
Zhou Shuren answered, "There’s no rush, best to wait for now."
The wife of Mr. Yu had yet to meet his daughters.
In the Zhou household, Zhulan was preparing to host an art appreciation banquet, sending invitations mostly to close friends but also one to the Yu family, inviting Madam Yu. The elderly Mrs. Yu couldn’t be seen as she remained in Dingzhou Province, not coming to the capital.
Within the Yu household, Madam Lau was reveling in pride over her younger son’s success last night when the Zhou family’s invitation arrived. She chuckled, "It seems good fortune never ceases lately."
She had been worried about meeting the Zhou family women—here was the perfect opportunity.
Lau Jia believed it was due to her second son’s accomplishments that the invitation had come; after all, Zhou family sons also made quite the impression yesterday.
Later that evening, Ming Teng visited the main courtyard after dinner. "Grandfather, Grandmother."
Zhou Shuren said, "I’ve been informed. Shen Xing will be accompanying you."
Ming Teng responded with surprise, "I hadn’t expected to go to the Grasslands Province with my uncle-in-law."
Zhou Shuren was unsurprised. Rongchuan had mentioned it earlier, and he had sensed Ming Teng’s involvement—he represented the Rong family, and the Retired Emperor would not forget them. The Rong family held great significance to the Retired Emperor. "Take care on your trip. Bring plenty of staff and support."
Reluctantly, Ming Teng acknowledged, "My return date is uncertain. Grandfather and Grandmother, please take care of yourselves."
Zhulan added, "You must take care of yourself."
This child showed little trace of his childhood self—simultaneously a source of gratitude and heartache. Wealth and status required sacrifices.
Smiling, Ming Teng assured them, "I’ll take care of myself and spare the family worry."
Zhou Shuren reminded him, "Rongchuan discussed the details about the province with me. I needn’t say much to you—just complete your tasks without drawing undue attention."
Ming Teng understood the wisdom—his wings were still immature; being overly prominent would be detrimental. "I understand, Grandfather."
Returning to his own courtyard, Ming Teng found his wife with reddened eyes. A pang of guilt struck him. "Since we wed, I’ve hardly spent quality time with you."
Lau Jia, battling emotions, said, "Your duty toward the Rong family is significant—I understand."
Grasping her hands, Ming Teng vowed, "When I return from the assignment, I’ll take some time off and travel with you to enjoy ourselves."
She didn’t hold much hope but responded softly, "Okay."
The next day, Ming Teng—having been home only briefly—departed for the grasslands alongside Prince Qin, while Prince Liang took charge of northeastern provinces.
In the following days, major events unfolded—several Grassland princes voluntarily renounced their titles as royalty. Only after thrice submitting their requests did the Emperor award them Marquis titles, which were not hereditary. Their ranks would gradually diminish with each generation. In the future, they could no longer rise through military prowess and would have to turn to scholarly pursuits. Though resentful at heart, they had no choice but to yield under the circumstances.
Zhulan’s art appreciation banquet arrived quickly. The Qi Clan came early. "If it weren’t for recent busyness at home, I would’ve visited you sooner."
Zhulan asked, "Did you need to see me for something?"