Chapter 50 - Royal Authority
Chapter 50: Royal Authority
Wu Qiuhan had not been careless. He had done it on purpose.
However, how could he admit it in front of Emperor Zhou? He could only grit his teeth and admit that he had done wrong.
He did not expect the Zhou Emperor to come over.
“How much money is in the account?”
“Not counting the family’s calligraphy and painting treasures, there are over 200 million taels of silver on the account books alone.”
Wu Qiuhan answered truthfully.
A gleam flashed past Emperor Zhou’s eyes.
This Su Changqing’s private assets were actually so huge?
Such a large sum of money was enough for him to do many things.
“Good, good, good! Inform the Spiritual Master Residence to increase production for the Thunderfire Crossbows! And also the Fine Steel Armors! Also, waive three years of taxes from the Southern Wilderness to appease the people.”
He could not wait to send the decree out!
“Changqing, you have been a great help to me this time. In the past few days, the Country of Yan has already reorganized its troops in an attempt to take back Fort Boulder. You know best that war is all about money. With this money of yours, I have nothing to worry about!”
The Zhou Emperor boomed out in happiness.
It was only at this moment that Wu Qiuhan felt the benefits of Su Changqing’s actions.
Ever since that day in the Royal Court, the Zhou Emperor had treated the Su Family with even more favor.
Seeing this scene in front of him, he could not help but feel slightly dejected. He was afraid that from now on, he would have no chance to go against Su Changqing.
“Minister Wu, although you have made some mistakes in your confiscation of assets, it is in the end a meritorious deed. You will be conferred the title of Far-Sighted Scholar! Since your son did not pass the royal examination last year, he can join the Royal Guards to fill in the spot of lieutenant.”
Emperor Zhou’s decree stunned Wu Qiuhan.
The Xue family had been punished, but he had been conferred a title instead. Although his official rank had not been promoted, it was clear that Emperor Zhou had not completely expelled him from the inner circle of power.
Moreover, his son had been sent to the Royal Guards to fill in the opening of Lieutenant. Although it was a military position, there was still an official rank to it. As long as he possessed an official position, with his connections, wouldn’t promotion and mobilization be a common thing in the future?
Everyone present understood the meaning behind Emperor Zhou’s words, including Su Wen.
Royal Authority.
No matter how much he trusted Su Changqing in his heart, he would never allow Su Changqing to dominate the court by himself. He had to give Su Changqing some threat.
On the surface, Wu Qiuhan was the biggest winner.
The Su family had lost their wealth, and the Xue family was out of luck. Only he was safe and sound. He had even been given a noble title, and his son had also been bestowed an official position.
Looking at the Zhou Emperor chatting with Su Changqing and Wu Qiuhan, Su Wen shook his head and continued with moving his stuff.
His mansion was built around fifty miles away from the Prime Minister’s residence, but the size of his mansion was no less than that of the Prime Minister’s. Su Changqing was never stingy in these aspects.
Su Wen brought his belongings and servants to move in. The inner residence would be managed by Cui Yumian and Ning Shuang, while the outer residence was handed over to Zhao Jin.
He had just finished packing when the second prince and Zhao Rui came over to congratulate him.
“Younger brother Su, congratulations on having your own residence from today onward.” The second prince smiled.
Su Wen shook his head and sighed. “It’s just a pity that my family’s assets have been confiscated. I’m so poor that I only have a few million taels of silver left, and just a gold mine from the Xue family. This is unbearable! I can no longer afford to treat you both to go gallivanting any more.
Zhao Rui’s mouth twitched.
Can you try speaking in human?
The second prince smiled, “This time, I’ll give you a treat. Xie Dajia is preparing to perform at the Eternal Music Pavilion, and it’s hard to even obtain a ticket right now. However, I’ve already received an invitation. I’m allowed to bring three others to accompany me. In addition to you and Zhao Rui, I can bring one more.”
“Xie Dajia!”
Upon hearing this name, Su Wen’s heart skipped a beat. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head and rejected, “I won’t be going. Recently, I have been busy with work at the Patrol Guard Office. There are many things happening in East District, so I have to take care of them.”
To Su Wen, that Honorable Xie was a little strange. It was better to stay away from her, the further the better.
When the Second Prince heard that Su Wen was going to the Patrol Office, he said in a low voice, “Brother, let me give you a piece of advice. You better not get involved in this matter.”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
The second prince replied, “The chaos in the East essentially involves the interests of many people. Even if you return, what can you do about it? I’ve heard that in the past few days, the matters in the East district have already been written up and sent to my Royal Father. If you interfere, by that time, you might even have to take the blame. Right now, the further away you are from the office, the safer you are. You should delay this for a few days. It won’t be too late to make a decision after my Royal Father has expressed his stance.”
“Hahaha! Thank you for your advice, Your Highness. I understand.”
Su Wen agreed with a smile.
He did not state his stand on this matter.
It was late at night. Yan Luoying was sleeping soundly in her room. However, even when asleep, she was still frowning deeply
Suddenly, she opened her eyes and sat up, a dagger in her hand. Her forehead was drenched in cold sweat as she stared ahead.
But she was alone in the room.
Yan Luoying suddenly burst into tears.
Ever since that day, she had never slept well.
Every night, when she fell asleep, it was as though she would come face to face with those dead people.
Mercy did not suit soldiers. She deeply agreed with this saying.
400,000 soldiers and civilians in Fort Boulder. The hatred between the two countries had long been ingrained in the hearts of the people. Coupled with the scarcity of food supplies, in order to prevent the enemy from counterattacking and any unforeseen changes from occurring, Yan Luoying had given the order to kill them in cold blood. With a single order, 400,000 soldiers and civilians turned into dead souls underground.
However, in the end, her rationality could not overcome the barrier in her heart.
Executioner, killer demon.
Ever since that day, she had heard strangers talking about her like that more than once.
Some of her friends even began to distance themselves from her.
Leaning against the head of the bed, Yan Luoying stared at the bright moon outside the window in a daze.
This continued until the next morning. She then washed her face and her gaze turned fierce again.
After leaving the house, Yan Luoying bought more than ten steamed buns.
After making a left turn, there were some children. All of them were dressed in ragged clothes with messy hair and dirty faces. When they saw Yan Luoying, the children smiled happily. “Sister Yan! Sister Yan!”
Yan Luoying handed the steamed buns to the children, got up, heaved a sigh of relief, and prepared to leave.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
“Lady Yan is truly in a good mood to come and do good deeds so early in the morning.”
Yan Luoying turned around and realized that it was Su Wen. He was sitting in the carriage and had lifted the curtain. Zhao Jin was driving the carriage and had unknowingly stopped behind her.
Yan Luoying said calmly, “I didn’t expect to meet you here. Are you going to the Patrol Office today?”
Su Wen smiled. “Lady Yan is right. Get in the carriage. It’s on the way.”
Yan Luoying did not stand on ceremony and climbed onto the carriage. She sized it up and realized that Su Wen’s carriage was covered with a thick hide mat. There were snacks, fruits, and vegetables in the carriage as well as books to pass the time. Yan Luoying sighed and said, “Lord Su’s carriage is enough to let many people live a peaceful life. I wonder how many people in the Great Zhou have not eaten well and their clothes are not covering their bodies. It’s pitiful and lamentable.”
Su Wen looked out of the car window and said, “There are many things in life that you and I can’t choose. It’s just like how you were born in a general’s house and I was born in a prime minister’s house. As for those children just now, they might work hard for their entire lives but they might not be able to obtain what we were born with. This is reality.”
Yan Luoying looked at Su Wen and asked with anticipation, “Doesn’t Lord Su wish to help those pitiful people?”
“Yes, that’s why when I’m in a good mood, I would occasionally give the beggar one or two copper coins.”