sovbooks Chapter 835 The Problem Arises
Chapter 835 The Problem Arises
Chapter 835: Chapter 835 The Problem ArisesYao Zheyu’s attitude was exceedingly humble, as though he were addressing an elder, "Grand Master Zhou, ever since I returned to the capital, you have been occupied, and I’ve had no chance to invite you to dine. Today, I would like to ask you for the honor of sharing a simple meal."
Zhou Shuren was well aware that Yao Zheyu had been wanting to make contact, but there had been no opportunity for a meeting. He was filled with emotion; when they first met, he hadn’t considered Yao Zheyu important, his manner was lofty, summoning him and dismissing him at will. Now, just to invite him for a meal, he had to arrange his demeanor properly, "Princely Heir, please."
Yao Zheyu gestured for him to proceed, truly afraid that Grand Master Zhou would not give him face. Although he had fought in wars and was a Princely Heir, he understood that these titles were temporary, and in the future, he would have to live at the mercy of others.
The sudden death of his stepmother left him far from calm on the surface; his heart was cold. It was too similar to the way he had overheard about his mother’s death: both had fallen ill suddenly and passed away quickly. It must have been his father’s doing. The death of his stepmother made his situation even more urgent.
Thinking back to his days in the Ministry of War, Yao Zheyu considered himself a capable person, but the Grand Master of Writing had completely ignored him. At one point, he even wondered if he had gone to the Ministry of Works instead. He knew that Li Zhao’s reaction was a reflection of the Emperor’s, and so he felt the weight on his shoulders growing heavier.
Zhou Shuren sat in the carriage, noting the approach of winter as the sky grew dark so early in the day.
Yao Zheyu eyed Grand Master Zhou, who showed no desire to chat, and regretted it deeply. He had learned that one should always leave room for future encounters; he had been too young at the time and had missed a great opportunity. Despite his efforts to make amends, his relationship with Grand Master Zhou remained one of superficial acquaintance.
Upon reaching the private room, the dishes were already on the table. Zhou Shuren, feeling hungry, sat down and said, "Prince, please take a seat too."
Let’s not be too formal here, as if he was treating. He hadn’t brought much Silver Coin with him.
Yao Zheyu smiled and sat down, "I’m not familiar with your tastes, Grand Master. I’ve ordered all the famous dishes of this restaurant. Please see if they suit your palate."
Zhou Shuren didn’t hold back; he picked up his chopsticks and chose what he liked. Once his hunger was somewhat satisfied and his pace of eating had slowed, he said, "You’ve especially invited me here today, not just for a meal, right? There must be something you want to discuss."
Yao Zheyu lowered his head; indeed, he wasn’t just looking to leverage the situation, "My mother has passed away; according to the laws of our dynasty, a military general may take leave for mourning without being relieved of his post, granted only a hundred days of leave."
Zhou Shuren was aware of this as after becoming an official, he not only studied the laws but also memorized them for fear of making a mistake, "So, what then?"
Yao Zheyu had a lot of free time in the Ministry of War; official mourning leave made little difference to him.
Yao Zheyu didn’t wish to take leave. Already overlooked by the Emperor, after starting mourning leave, he would have even less presence, as if being confined at home daily, which could drive him to despair.
Sometimes, he even thought that it wasn’t that he lacked ability, but that he chose the wrong life to be born into.
Yao Zheyu poured wine for Grand Master Zhou, "The Emperor values you highly, Grand Master Zhou. I ask you to speak a few good words for me."
He knew that he could not change the mourning leave, so he could only request Grand Master Zhou to mention him appropriately in front of the Emperor. He was genuinely afraid that even without being stripped of his post, he wouldn’t be allowed to return to the Ministry of War after his leave.
Zhou Shuren, holding his wine cup, refused flatly, "The Prince is a wise man; I am not able to assist."
It all depended on the Emperor. However, it now seemed Yao Zheyu was truly panicking.
Of course, even if he could help, he wouldn’t. Pah, what an inflated sense of self-importance, as if a meal could sway him to speak on his behalf. His words were currently very valuable. So far, he had only opened his mouth for Wu Ming; he hadn’t even dared to mention anyone else to the Emperor, not even his sons.
Yao Zheyu’s heart skipped a beat, realizing Zhou Shuren could see the situation clearly. He felt as though he was facing the Minister of War, not willing to give up yet and still hoping for another strategy. He pulled out a box that he had prepared in advance, opened it for Grand Master Zhou to see, "I know your family is looking to buy properties. These are shops that were part of my mother’s dowry. They have been under a Servant’s name and have been well-managed for years, bringing in a good income annually."
Zhou Shuren pushed the box back, "The Zhou family is not lacking in Silver."
The implication was that his family had Silver, and if they truly wished to buy, they would spend Silver to do so.
Yao Zheyu looked at the box in front of him, deeply disappointed, finding himself unable to even give things away now.