Chapter 1644: Chapter 1644: More Bad Than Good
Zhulan received another letter from Ming Hui. It was delivered by the Yu Clan. In the letter, Ming Hui praised the Yu Clan’s school and noted the aspects that the Zhou Clan could learn from.
Ming Hui not only mentioned the clan school but also shared his observations about the Yu Clan. He also mentioned that Yu Yueyang’s grandmother is a kind person and asked if they would visit the Yu Family upon returning to the capital.
Zhulan handed the letter to Lady Li. After reading it, Lady Li said, "Mother, Second Young Master Yu has visited Ningzhou several times, and Yu Yi and others ought to pay a visit. The letter also mentioned that the old lady is getting old and her health declined after the New Year. She won’t be able to travel to the capital in the future. The old lady wishes to see Yu Yi, so I think we should go."
Zhulan nodded, "Indeed, we should visit."
The eventual marriage would also take place in the capital, and the old lady probably wouldn’t be able to travel there. She understood the old lady’s feelings.
Lady Li put the letter away, "Mingyun’s letter should have arrived as well."
In the grasslands, Mingyun followed Uncle Wu Ming while inspecting the large pastures, feeling excited, "After two years of breeding, it has finally developed."
Wu Ming’s tone was also more relaxed, "Yes, this year, the herders’ lives have improved."
Only when the herders’ lives are better can the constructed cities thrive.
Mingyun said, "In a few days, the caravans will arrive; we must strengthen defenses to prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to cause trouble."
Wu Ming frowned. Although the grasslands were divided into provinces, some people were still dissatisfied. The vast grasslands made it hard to find them when they hid, and they occasionally caused trouble just to vent.
Suddenly, the guards in front stopped and became vigilant, putting everyone on alert.
Wu Ming and Mingyun were protected in the center, with Mingyun holding a sword, remaining still and at a standoff.
Wu Ming maintained a calm gaze. Their decision to inspect the pasture was spontaneous, so who leaked the news?
The ambushers hiding in the grass ahead couldn’t hold themselves any longer, pushing aside the grass to charge forward, numbering nearly a hundred, while Wu Ming’s side had just over fifty people.
The proximity to the cleaned-out pasture meant fewer men were brought, yet there were a hundred people in ambush, suggesting someone shielded them.
Mingyun didn’t rush forward but cautiously protected Uncle Wu Ming. Seeing the two guards beside him put his mind at ease.
Soon, cries of combat filled the air. Mingyun gripped his sword nervously; half of the fifty guards were dead or injured, and it took a while for the patrolling soldiers to arrive.
Wu Ming watched the apologetic soldiers coldly, saying nothing.
Mingyun’s palms were sweaty—a normal reaction. His mind raced, especially upon hearing that the soldiers had been distracted deliberately, revealing a plot to kill Uncle Wu Ming. If not for the fact he heard about the inspection and came along with more guards, Uncle Wu Ming would have been in grave danger today!
After returning to the city, Mingyun said, "Uncle, this matter isn’t simple."
Wu Ming replied, "Hmm."
Mingyun didn’t say much more. His uncle was obviously deep in thought. He believed it wasn’t just the forces retreating from the grasslands but also those from the capital. Given the cities they’d experienced, such a significant lapse could only be an inside job.
Wu Ming regained his senses and said, "We owe today to you for following along."
Had it not been for Mingyun today, Wu Ming feared the worst.
In the capital, Zhulan saw her son returning with a potted plant in the afternoon, "Did you buy this?"
Chang Xhong replied, "No, son won this from the future prince consort."
Zhulan asked, "...Since when are you acquainted with the prince consort?"
Chang Xhong laughed, "I got to know him through Gu Sheng. The future prince consort is an interesting person."
Zhulan was surprised, "I thought it was the Fourth Prince who introduced you."
Chang Xhong smirked, "The Fourth Prince doesn’t care about the eldest princess’s prince consort. Since the engagement banquet, the Fourth Prince hasn’t even met the future prince consort."
Zhulan thought about it; having different mothers and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons, it was normal for the Fourth Prince not to care, "How is the future prince consort interesting?"
Chang Xhong grinned, "Today, someone remarked that he leads a leisurely life, and he proudly proclaimed how great it is to avoid the struggle, even promoting the virtues of leisure to the young master who had indirectly mocked him."
Zhulan laughed, "That indeed is quite amusing."
Chang Xhong continued, "I’ve heard news that Zhuo Guyu has already found someone suitable."
Zhulan knew this long ago, "Yes, he’s engaged to the Earl of Ye’s eldest daughter."
"In the end, he secured a powerful in-law, so Zhuo Guyu’s wish has been fulfilled."
Zhulan remarked, "Rather than saying the Earl of Ye values the Duke of Yongan Residence, it’s more that he values Zhuo Guyu’s association with the Crown Prince. The Earl of Ye is eager to have his eldest son close to the Crown Prince."
Chang Xhong sighed, "Our family’s girls are indeed fortunate."
Zhulan concluded, "Alright, you should go and rest as well."
After leaving the government office, Zhou Shuren saw his second son, "Aren’t you busy lately?"
The second son had been picking him up every day, initially touching Zhou Shuren with his filial piety, but as it became frequent, he found it bothersome.
Chang Yi rubbed his nose, "I wanted to be filial to you."
Zhou Shuren asked, "Seriously, you’re not busy?"
Chang Yi replied, "No, I’ve delegated a lot of my responsibilities lately, so I’m pretty free."
"You delegated your powers; why didn’t you tell me?"
Chang Yi explained, "This power would be divided sooner or later; it’s cleaner to do it early, so I didn’t tell you."
Zhou Shuren snorted, "I thought I’d have to wait another year or two."
"Officials who’ve lived abroad for two years have brought considerable benefits to their families. Without your backing, my powers would have been redistributed long ago."
Zhou Shuren intoned, "The Second Prince needs Silver Coin."
After all, he’s a Prince, causing disturbances even while studying at the Ministry of Rites.
Chang Yi felt it was his father to blame, "The Ministry of Rites learns the fine details of the Ministry of Revenue’s accounts, and the clear Silver Coin accounts make me a rare fatty piece for the Ministry of Rites."
So if not targeting him, who else? He rejected the Second Prince’s recruitment several times, leading to actions against him. Without his father’s support, it wouldn’t be division; it would be reassignment.
Zhou Shuren conceded, "Alright, your powers are divided, let it be."
What was the point of this, letting the Second Prince create chaos however he wished, with the Emperor and Crown Prince watching over?
The next day, during the Hanlin Academy’s recess, Chang Zhi invited friends to the Hou Residence to appreciate paintings, including the White Tiger Painting and Yu Wen’s Plum Blossom Painting.
Gu Sheng was invited. When Gu Yan learned his younger brother was on recess, he came over early in the morning, "Where are you going?"
Gu Sheng replied, "I’ve been invited by Lord Zhou to the Hou Residence. Why did you come so early, Brother?"
"It’s rare for you to have a day off, so I thought of taking you to see the fields outside the city."
Gu Sheng said, "Let’s do that next time I have a day off."
Gu Yan thought for a moment, "The young gentlemen from the Hou Residence treat you well."
Gu Sheng said, "Yes, they are indeed my benefactors."
Gu Yan knew his younger brother was excellent, but something felt off, "I’ll send you there."
"Thank you, Brother."
When Gu Sheng arrived, many people were already there. Chang Zhi had many friends, all around his age, making the young Gu Sheng particularly conspicuous.
Chang Zhi was pleased with Gu Sheng’s composure and said with a smile, "You like plum blossoms; come and see this Plum Blossom Painting."
Gu Sheng walked over and was immediately captivated, aware of his shortcomings. He hesitated but refrained from touching it.
Chang Zhi stroked his beard, "My daughter created this painting."
Gu Sheng came back to his senses, "Magistrate Anhe?"
Chang Zhi smiled, "Indeed."