Chapter 1634: After modification: Chapter 1634 Good Teacher
Zhulan returned to the great hall still somewhat dazed. Pah! He should never have trusted what Zhou Shuren and Chang Yi said about the princess being reluctant to leave her country, or the princess being sad for being a gift. Clearly, she had her eyes on his grandson!
Zhou Shuren always paid attention to his wife. Even when his wife was away, he worried, and when his wife returned absent-mindedly, he felt her sharp gaze before he could figure it out!
Soon it was time for the gift presentation. Zhou Shuren composed himself and looked at the ambassadors from various countries across from him. At this moment, he felt proud.
Zhulan had a feast for the eyes today, seeing treasures from various countries. Some were presented by the princesses, who were themselves gifts, just veiled behind a layer of gauze.
The Empress was calm and composed. She wasn’t jealous, as the Emperor was not fond of beauty. There were three princesses, all from neighboring countries.
Everyone’s eyes focused on the Emperor, who smiled and accepted the gifts without mentioning the princesses. The Empress smiled and allowed the princesses to return to their seats, concluding the palace banquet.
Zhulan and Zhou Shuren left the palace together. Zhou Shuren lowered his voice, “What did you see when you left just now?”
Zhulan was about to speak when she saw the envoys from various countries leaving, “I’ll tell you at home.”
Back home after riding the carriage from the palace, Zhulan finally shared her discovery, “Your grandson sure has some skills!”
Zhou Shuren, “!!”
It really surprised him! His grandson is impressive!
Zhulan furrowed her brow, “What do you think we should do?”
Zhou Shuren’s gaze wandered, “There’s no way to hide this from the Emperor.”
Zhulan was anxious precisely because she knew, “Once the Emperor finds out, he’ll use it.”
Zhou Shuren rubbed his nose, “Well, there’s nothing I can do.”
The twins don’t listen to him!
Zhulan took a deep breath for a while but couldn’t suppress her irritation and stormed off to change clothes.
The couple was right to worry. The Emperor knew everything in the palace well and met with Jiang Ping, who said, “The princess has feelings for my elder brother. I never expected her to be so bold. My brother knew some things would be exposed, which led to today’s events.”
The Emperor listened to the princess’s words, turning the String of Pearls in his hand. He was also surprised; this princess going back would clearly be more useful than staying in the capital. He signaled Jiang Ping to step back.
The Emperor asked the Crown Prince, “What do you think?”
From the national perspective, the Crown Prince said, “I think we should send the princess back to her country.”
The Emperor nodded approvingly. While he wasn’t currently in a position to annex, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t in the future, “Hmm.”
The Crown Prince thought again and added, “Marquis Zhou is eagerly waiting for his two grandsons to return.”
The Emperor, “…”
During yesterday’s chat, Zhou Shuren even mentioned that the twins were not young anymore; both brothers had already married in the capital!
An amused glint appeared in the Crown Prince’s eyes as he continued, “Father, what arrangements would you make for the other two princesses?”
The Emperor squinted, “Should we give one to your second brother?”
The Crown Prince lowered his head, “I don’t think it’s appropriate. I’m not worried about my second brother gaining power, but rather about him being manipulated. Since they aren’t from our country, who knows what plans underlie such seduction schemes.”
The Emperor withdrew his gaze, “You’re right. What do you think should be done?”
The Crown Prince raised his head, “Sending them all back wouldn’t be ideal. Since they were sent here, we should keep them. Since there’s no suitable person in the royal family, we could retain a princess as a permanent ambassador.”
Women meddling in politics can develop ambitions and find their own ways to return to their countries.
The Emperor laughed heartily at this, “Good, good, not bad!”
The Crown Prince thought to himself that he saw many possibilities from Marquis Zhou, who was indeed a good teacher!
Zhou Shuren was still unaware of the Crown Prince’s shrewd maneuvering. The next day, there was rare leisure in the government hall; regulations matters didn’t leave quickly, allowing all the officials to take a good look.
The Emperor guessed Zhou Shuren wanted to say something. He felt guilty and pretended not to see.
When Zhou Shuren saw the Emperor feigning ignorance, he understood well enough that the Emperor already knew everything, “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”
Li Zhao paused his steps. If Zhou Shuren was speaking up voluntarily, it must be a major matter. He recalled if there had been any big issues recently, but there were none!
The Emperor looked up from the Zhezi, “Marquis Zhou, stay.”
The other officials hurriedly left, curious about what had happened.
After everyone left, only the royal family and the Crown Prince were in the room. Zhou Shuren spoke directly, “Your Majesty, the twins have been away from home for many years; I miss them dearly.”
The Emperor raised his hand, “Don’t give me empty words. I know you’ve realized. I understand the purpose of your visit today. Shuren, I will sooner or later have to go to war.”
While speaking, he took out a map and pointed to a location, “This place will eventually become our country’s territory.”
Zhou Shuren knew there would be no result, yet felt unwilling to give up without effort. Certain sacrifices are unavoidable from a national perspective, “I understand.”
The Emperor stroked the map, “You have two good grandsons. Although they cannot appear openly, their contributions will be remembered.”
Zhou Shuren moved his lips, finally sighing. He sensed the patriotic hearts of his grandsons, and he couldn’t persuade the twins either, “I am proud of them.”
National stability owes to many behind-the-scenes people, with his two grandsons being one of them.
How could the Emperor not be proud, having placed many spies across countries, bringing back significant information? Not only the twins; all those serving the country are national heroes.
Soon, the Emperor mentioned the fate of several princesses. Zhou Shuren glanced at the Crown Prince; he certainly had some ideas!
The Crown Prince smiled under the gaze, as though taught well by Mr. Hou.
Zhou Shuren, “…”
He very much wanted to know exactly what the Crown Prince had learned from him!
The Emperor was not one to drag things out. When the exchanges list from various countries came, those that could be exchanged were approved. The envoys from various countries did not expect the process to be so smooth, except for the few with princesses who felt frustrated.
The seduction scheme hadn’t worked, and the princess instead became a long-term ambassador. The princess from Jiang An’s country rejected becoming an ambassador, creating a huge fuss to return home.
Because Jiang An was responsible, he reluctantly agreed in the end.
Before Jiang An left, during the night, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren met him. Zhulan asked, “Is Jiang Ping impersonating you?”
Jiang An nodded, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to return; I wanted to see my grandparents before leaving.”
Zhulan and Zhou Shuren fell silent, and eventually, Zhou Shuren patted his grandson’s shoulder, “Be careful out there. If anything goes wrong, find a way to come back. Don’t recklessly take risks.”
Jiang An nodded, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I must return to take care of you and Grandma. I’ll definitely be safe and sound.”
Zhulan stood up and hugged her grandson, “Waiting for you to come back.”
Jiang An didn’t stay long before leaving; he still had to see his parents.
The envoys left the capital, and Zhulan felt dizzy; she wasn’t in good spirits. Zhou Shuren noticed and eventually submitted a Zhezi to take a leave.
The Emperor remembered the twins and appreciated Zhou Shuren’s hard work, ultimately approving the leave.
With the leave in hand, Zhou Shuren gleefully said, “We have half a month off; shall we take a trip by sea?”
Zhulan was surprised, “We actually have a half-month off?”
Zhou Shuren smiled, “Quickly pack your bags.”
The old couple was about to set off on a sea trip. As news spread, several family members, worried, came to the main courtyard. Zhou Lao Da said, “Son will accompany Mom and Dad.”
Zhou Shuren waved his hand, “You’re the son of Mr. Hou. While I’m away, you need to guard Hou Residence.”
Chang Zhi pointed to himself, “Father, I can take leave. I will accompany you.”
Chang Yi wanted to go too but found he truly could not, so he looked at Ming Rui.
Ming Rui smiled, “Grandpa, I’ll accompany you.”
Zhou Shuren didn’t want to bring any of them, but for the peace of mind of his sons, he felt he had to. As he watched his grandchild generation, he fell into contemplation.