Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1008: Chapter 1008: The Gold-Swallowing Beast Needs to Grow

The Emperor nodded in agreement, which was also why he had not sent out any diplomatic missions, particularly after this year’s pirate incidents. He deeply realized the importance of the Navy. He was not oblivious to the state of the national treasury, but strengthening the Navy was necessary no matter how difficult it might be.

The Emperor patted Zhou Shuren on the shoulder, ”Next year, I plan to increase our investment in the Navy, my dear subject, you have worked hard.”

Zhou Shuren, ”....”

Ah, always wanting to squeeze him dry, increasing investment, the gold-devouring beast was growing, and he truly could not afford to feed it.

The Emperor shifted his gaze away; after finishing his thought, he felt somewhat guilty. This year’s tax revenue was good, but a significant portion of next year’s silver had also been spent in advance; the treasury was not looking good. He had no plans to deal with the Chen family like he had dealt with the Phang family; hence, there would be no need for a raid.

The Phang family had gone too far; the Qi family was accumulating wealth at their ancestral land, greedy for silver. Although they were active, they hadn’t truly crossed his bottom line. However, the Phangs were different. The youngest child was the first to dare to strike at his own siblings. Initially, Zhang Jinghong was not his biological son, so he felt less impacted.

But after the fourth child made a move on Rongchuan, things were different. The Phang family had not refrained from inciting the youngest these past years, and now they had dared to assassinate someone in the capital. What about next time?

So, the Phang family had to fall. He was measured with the Qi family; as long as they did not truly cross the line, he still considered their old ties.

As for the Chen family, Mr. Chen was shrewd. Originally, he did not wish to use his daughter for a political marriage, but his father was present in those years, and Mr. Chen’s words carried no weight. With a second son, the Chen family naturally grew ambitious. Over the years, they made their moves, but always carefully and cautiously with no significant disturbances, managing the Chen family clan’s influence well.

If not for Zhang Jinghong’s deeply hidden backing and his vast knowledge, when the Crown Prince succeeded to the throne, the Chen family might have been able to step back. This astuteness made the Emperor more wary, yet he would not take drastic measures against them.

Zhou Shuren noticed the Emperor was distracted again. Not wanting to interrupt the Emperor, he could not help but let himself become lost in thought. The Navy definitely needed more investment; thus, he needed to find ways to generate more revenue. He had already contemplated a sorted tax that he could introduce once Chang Lian joined the Maritime Affairs Administration.

Zhou Shuren considered many aspects of the sorted tax, squinting his eyes. He even wanted to start drawing the blueprints for a port. He was no designer but had seen modern ports frequently—on television, online, and had even visited some in person.

Moreover, more warehouses and ice cellars could be built—they could be rented out, all generating revenue. There were many strategies, but they couldn’t all be implemented at once.

The Emperor called out twice to Zhou Shuren, ”Goodness, he is lost in thought”; Zhou Shuren, too, had been distracted, ”Shuren, have you thought of something?”

Zhou Shuren came back to reality, ”Your Majesty, I would like to have Chang Yi teach foreign languages to my grandsons.”

The Emperor was aware some officials were far-sighted. Not to mention the officials, now even the Crown Prince was studying foreign languages. Even at his age, he would occasionally learn a phrase or two, ”Shuren, your idea is excellent.”

Zhou Shuren’s teeth ached; the Emperor really did not need to call him by name.

In the Hanlin Academy, Chang Lian listened to the conversation in the room. Several people were gathering around Shi Qing; Lv Liang’s tone was full of jealousy, ”Shi Qing, they’re establishing the Marine Division; don’t you have any thoughts?”

Shi Qing raised his head, ”What exactly are you trying to say?”

Lv Liang smiled somewhat mockingly, ”Everyone knows the fifth Prince values you. It seems the Prince has plans for you; your name must be on the list for the division.”

He did not dare envy Zhou Changlian; first, the Emperor had personally spoken; second, the Zhou family’s roots in the capital were growing deeper—these were reasons he could not be envious. Everyone knew the list would surely include Zhou Changlian.

But Shi Qing was different. Why should a mere merchant background supersede him?

Joining the division meant one less annual assessment, and the official position it offered was coveted—Maritime Affairs was not an easy entry.

Shi Qing sneered, ”I don’t know whether or not I’m on the list, but I do know for sure that you won’t be.”

Lv Liang’s face turned red with anger because the truth was that he was only mediocre during his two years at the Hanlin Academy.

Shi Qing saw Chang Lian looking at him and nodded almost imperceptibly before continuing with his work.

He would not leave the capital, although Zhang Yang wanted him to join the Maritime Affairs Administration. Unfortunately, Zhang Yang’s efforts would only expose more, and his fate was in the hands of the Emperor.

Chang Lian averted his gaze. The Hanlin Academy’s assessment ended with the appointment of officials, and although many wished to stay in the capital, the opportunities were truly rare. Only those with significant abilities or promotion by an elder could impress the Emperor and quickly climb the ranks; others had to endure.

Leaving the capital had its pros and cons. For those who had noble families to rely on, it was advantageous; for those who had no one, it was a disadvantage. Without support in the provinces, unless one was exceptionally skilled, they would continue to struggle and never return to the capital.

Chang Lian knew he had a good father, so he wasn’t afraid of leaving the capital. Even if he went to other provinces, his father had his back. It was clear to anyone who paid attention; his father was destined to become the Minister of Revenue as long as things went smoothly.

The whole nation was linked to the Ministry of Revenue!

At the Duke Residence, Xue Han, carrying the fruit her second brother had given her, came to visit her grandparents.

Before Xue Han could enter the room, a maid eagerly drew the curtains open. Her attitude had changed significantly after the marriage; before, she wouldn’t have been so attentive.

The moment Xue Han entered the room, it was quite crowded—even Lady Du was there.

The Duchess seeing Xue Han, was delighted, ”It’s so cold today; how did you come? Come, sit by me.”

This was Xue Han’s second visit to the Duke Residence after her marriage, the first being to pay respects to her grandparents.

Still holding the fruit basket, Xue Han handed it to a maid and greeted everyone warmly, ”Grandmother, I just came in and am feeling a bit chilly, so I’ll keep my distance for now.”

The Duchess felt warmth in her heart, ”You are so thoughtful, child. You’ve just taken charge of the Hou Residence; is there anything you don’t understand yet?”

The Duchess was eager to teach, although it wasn’t easy to intervene since Rongchuan was a Prince, not a real grandson.

Xue Han smiled, ”There are indeed things I don’t understand, and I hope you won’t find me bothersome later—I have many questions.”

Hearing this, the Duchess’s eyes crinkled with laughter. This was a sign of respect and trust from Xue Han, ”Good child, ask anything you want, and I’ll tell you.”

Then she looked even less favorably at Lady Du. Initially, when Lady Du was in charge of the stewardship, the Duchess had kindly asked her something, but Lady Du guarded against her, which distressed her for days. Lady Du had caused quite a few embarrassing moments, bringing shame to the Duke Residence.

Seeing that the fruit had been brought out, Xue Han said, ”Grandmother, my second brother returned from abroad yesterday. He brought back some of the fruit he grew. It’s quite rare, so I brought some specially for you and grandfather to enjoy today.”

These fruits were rarely seen in the capital, difficult to preserve, and much of it spoiled during transport, which was costly and took up space. Only her second brother, who wasn’t after money but wanted to treat their parents, would bring them specially.

She had selected a few of the best looking ones to bring over.

The Duchess already adored Xue Han, a girl always mindful of them, the elderly couple, ”Good child, don’t bring things over so often; at our age, we can manage with or without.”

Once Xue Han had warmed up a bit, she moved closer and took her grandmother’s hand, ”That won’t do. You and grandfather need to live a long, healthy life. There’s still much joy to come!”

Upon hearing this, warmth flooded the Duchess’s heart, ”Alright, alright, grandmother will listen to you and enjoy more of these delights.”