When Zhou Suhai entered the study room of Zhou Mansion, he saw Zhou Shangjing annotating an article, his old face full of love and concentration.
Zhou Suhai glanced at the handwriting of this article for a moment, and a look of jealousy suddenly flashed across his expression.
He could tell at a glance that the handwriting of this article was written by Zhou Suwen.
Zhou Suhai is only the eldest grandson of Zhou Shangjing, and Zhou Suwen is the direct grandson of Zhou Shangjing!
Since ancient times, the battle between the heirs has always been an unavoidable theme among wealthy families, so the two brothers Zhou Suhai and Zhou Suwen have always had a vague sense of rivalry.
In other words, it was Zhou Suhai who wanted to compete with Zhou Suwen unilaterally.
Zhou Shangjing is not an upright official, but the Zhou family is from a scholarly family. They have always had strict family traditions and strict family education. They attach great importance to the distinction between concubines and concubines. In addition, Zhou Shangjing and his first wife are quite affectionate, and they did not know their destiny until they knew their fate.
He only had his grandson Zhou Suwen when he was young, so he never concealed his preference for Zhou Suwen, and everyone saw it.
For example, now, even if Zhou Shangjing is physically and mentally exhausted, he will deliberately spare time and energy to carefully correct Zhou Suwen's articles. This is a treatment that Zhou Suhai has never received before.
However, Zhou Suwen himself is indeed up to date. Not only is he personable and has an excellent image, but he is also a well-known talent in the capital. During the imperial examination last year, he defeated Zhao Shancai to become the number one scholar in the new subject. This year, he also won many awards while serving in the Hanlin Academy.
He received unanimous praise from many Hanlin officials and believed that his beautiful articles were no less than those of Zhou Shangjing back then, and he could be said to be the leader of the younger generation of the Zhou family!
In fact, Zhou Suhai's original situation was not bad. Although he was not as talented and charming as Zhou Suwen, he was quite good at dealing with people and knew how to advance and retreat. He was supported by Zhou Shangjing in his thirties.
He served as the magistrate of Suzhou. If nothing unexpected happens, he will have a good chance to go further in the future and become a feudal official and an assistant minister in the cabinet. He may not be inferior to Zhou Suwen.
It's a pity that Zhou Suhai's entire future has now been ruined!
This is because in the autumn of the year before last, the Eight Kings Ship Company secretly colluded with Japanese pirates to invade Suzhou territory just for their own selfish interests, causing extremely serious losses to officials and people. Zhou Suhai, as the prefect of Suzhou, naturally could not escape responsibility, while Zhou Shangjing was out of business.
Due to various public and private considerations, I tried to suppress the matter, hoping to hide the truth and whitewash the peace.
It's a pity that Emperor Deqing still received the news, so he went on the southern tour last year. During the southern tour, he exposed Zhou Shangjing's crime of deceiving the emperor in public. He wanted to take the opportunity to bring down Zhou Shangjing in one fell swoop, but Zhou Shangjing quickly
This illustrates the truth of the matter and the relationship between the Japanese pirates and the clan. Emperor Deqing was concerned about the overall situation, so in the end he had no choice but to minimize the big issue and let it go.
However, the Zhou family was still greatly affected by this turmoil. Not only did Zhou Shangjing lose his position as the chief minister of the cabinet, Zhou Suhai also suffered a setback in his official career. He has been unemployed since he returned to the capital last year to report on his duties, let alone more
Going one step further, even his original official position could not be saved.
In this way, the gap in family status between Zhou Suhai and Zhou Suwen, as well as Zhou Shangjing's own preference for closeness and distance, became more and more obvious.
In recent months, some rumors have appeared in the public, saying that Zhou Shangjing has completely given up on Zhou Suhai. Zhou Suhai is also extremely dissatisfied with Zhou Shangjing's alienation. The two of them have long been inseparable.
In fact, such rumors are not unfounded. Zhou Shangjing has indeed not summoned Zhou Suhai to talk alone for a long time. It is obviously a sign of neglect. Today's meeting is the first time for the two of them in nearly a month.
alone.
Because of this, Zhou Suhai did have resentment in his heart, so when he saw Zhou Shangjing personally correcting Zhou Suwen's article, he couldn't help but feel jealous, and almost lost his usual job.
However, Zhou Suhai did not dare to offend Zhou Shangjing's majesty after all, and quickly recovered his calm demeanor. After entering the study room, he stood quietly aside with his hands down, not daring to disturb Zhou Shangjing's correction of Zhou Suwen's article.
After about half a stick of incense, Zhou Shangjing finally finished correcting Zhou Suwen's article. After nodding lightly with satisfaction, he finally looked up at Zhou Suhai.
Zhou Shangjing's eyes were deep and he looked at Zhou Suhai carefully for a few times. After seeing that Zhou Suhai's performance was quite calm, he nodded lightly again.
Then, Zhou Shangjing suddenly asked: "Su Hai, do you know why I want to meet you alone today?"
Zhou Suhai hesitated for a moment and then asked: "My grandson doesn't know, but I hope my grandfather will make it clear. Is it a family matter or a state matter?"
Zhou Shangjing did not answer directly, but asked again: "Speaking of which, there have been a lot of rumors between the government and the public recently, many of which are about our Zhou family, and are even more related to you and my grandparents... Can you
Have you heard some?"
Zhou Suhai was shocked, but he still answered honestly: "My grandson has indeed heard some. These rumors are quite absurd. It is said that your grandpa has given up on his grandson, and his grandson is also dissatisfied with his grandfather..."
"
Speaking of this, Zhou Suhai hurriedly explained: "I hope my grandfather will learn from this. In my heart, my grandson only has filial piety and respect for his grandfather, and he will not dare to harbor any dissatisfaction in any case!"
"You don't have to have too many scruples. I have indeed deliberately neglected you during this period. It is right for you to be unhappy. You can show it directly..." After saying this meaningfully,
Zhou Shangjing didn't wait for Zhou Suhai to think more, and asked again: "By the way, it's been a while since you returned to the capital, and the official department hasn't arranged any new errands for you?"
"My grandson has been waiting hard, but there has been no news from the officials. Since my grandson returned to the capital to report on his duties, he has been out of work. The officials seem to have completely forgotten about his grandson. There has been no new news.
arrange."
While answering, Zhou Suhai only felt aggrieved. Everyone knew that the Ministry of Personnel was like Zhou Shangjing's back garden. If Zhou Shangjing wanted to arrange a new official position for Zhou Suhai, it would only be a matter of one sentence. However, the Ministry of Personnel has not done anything yet.
The reaction was obviously due to Zhou Shangjing's attitude, which is why Zhou Suhai has been idle so far.
Zhou Shangjing's inquiry was done knowingly.
Zhou Shangjing seemed completely unaware of Zhou Suhai's complaints and grievances, and just sighed: "Don't blame the officials. As ministers, we must protect His Majesty's face. His Majesty's southern tour last year was to uncover the truth about the Japanese pirates in Suzhou."
Although the matter was blocked by me in the end, you and my grandson and I were at fault after all, and must be punished to make His Majesty feel more comfortable. If the officials arrange a new position for you too quickly, His Majesty will not be able to save his face.
It looks good, but I'm afraid it will cause trouble again."
Hearing Zhou Shangjing's explanation, Zhou Suhai felt even more aggrieved. He had already heard the news. Zhou Shangjing repeatedly opposed Emperor Deqing at today's court meeting, and almost made Emperor Deqing lose his temper and get angry in public, but he never took Emperor Deqing into consideration.
Face and mood?
As if he had guessed what Zhou Suhai was thinking, Zhou Shangjing asked again: "Have you heard about what happened in court this morning?"
Zhou Suhai nodded and replied: "My grandson heard some news, saying that your grandfather's repeated statements in the morning made His Highness the Seventh Prince almost in trouble. His Majesty was also very unhappy at the time..."
Having said this, Zhou Suhai hesitated for a moment and couldn't help but said: "Grandpa, you haven't directly opposed His Majesty like you did today for a long time. The current situation of our Zhou family is pretty good, and we have finally resolved His Majesty's fears.
With hostility, what you did today, grandfather, will inevitably arouse resentment in His Majesty's heart again. It seems that the gains outweigh the losses and do more harm than good. Therefore, after my grandson received the news, he has been thinking about your profound meaning, but he still can't.
understand."
Zhou Shangjing's wrinkled old face suddenly smiled, and he was a little relieved: "It's a good thing that you can't understand my thoughts... The more you don't know about some things, the more you will treat our Zhou family in the future.
It is helpful; if you know the truth, it will be a bad thing!"
Zhou Shangjing's attitude made Zhou Suhai even more confused, but after being silent for a moment, he still expressed his position: "Since grandfather said this, my grandson will naturally not dare to inquire anymore, and he will not do it again in the future.
Think about this."
Zhou Shangjing smiled again and said: "You are indeed sensible. If Su Wen were here, he would definitely get to the bottom of it. He is too arrogant and always wants to understand everything and control everything. He does not know how to advance and retreat like you.
And temperance... Therefore, there are some things I can only leave to you to feel at ease!"
Hearing what Zhou Shangjing said, Zhou Suhai couldn't help but feel happy, thinking that Zhou Shangjing was going to entrust him with an important task.
Who would have thought that Zhou Shangjing's next words would make him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
"Next, you go back to your place to tidy up, and then leave the Zhou Mansion with your wife and children... Try not to contact you in the future, and try not to come back... I will find a reason,
Remove your lineage from the Zhou family tree! From today on, the Zhou family will no longer be your reliance, and you will have to rely entirely on yourself!"
Zhou Shangjing's expression was calm when he spoke, but Zhou Suwen couldn't believe his ears. After being stunned for a long time, he finally burst out with his grievances and resentments. He couldn't help but said loudly: "Grandpa! Why do you treat your grandson like this?"
!Is it just because of those rumors? My grandson has always been caring about you and the family! Even if you have always been partial to Su Wen, and even if you have been treated coldly during this period, your grandson has never dared to complain.
You can't treat your grandson like this! I'm not your direct grandson, but I'm also a bloodline of the Zhou family... My grandson is not convinced! My grandson is not convinced!"
When talking about the latter part, Zhou Suwen's expression lost control, full of grief and anger, and he no longer saw his usual appearance in the city.
He has always respected and admired Zhou Shangjing, and at this time, he especially couldn't tolerate Zhou Shangjing abandoning him.
Zhou Shangjing took a deep look at Zhou Suhai again, a trace of reluctance and a rare hesitation flashed across his old face.
Finally, Zhou Shangjing sighed and explained: "I asked you to leave the Zhou family not because of those rumors... In fact, those rumors were originally spread by me on purpose! You understand what I said.
?”
Zhou Suhai couldn't help but was stunned when he heard the words. He finally guessed some of the truth. His expression gradually changed from grief to shock, and then from shock to worry. He asked urgently: "Grandpa, you are doing this... but we
What trouble did the Zhou family encounter?"
Zhou Suhai is a smart man. Zhou Shangjing just revealed some basic information, and he has already guessed a lot of things. He understands that Zhou Shangjing must have sensed some kind of threat, so he arranged a way out in advance and kicked him out of the Zhou family as a precaution.
The necessary protection measures are not only to protect himself, but also to protect the continuation of the Zhou family's bloodline.
Thinking again that Zhou Shangjing had deliberately neglected him during this period, all out of trust and protection, Zhou Suhai couldn't help but feel particularly excited, and the previous resentment in his heart was wiped away.
On the other side, Zhou Shangjing ignored Zhou Suhai's change in mood, and just shook his head slightly, saying: "I can't say for sure now, but I have a vague premonition in my heart, but it may not come true... After all, it is
As people get older, they are less courageous than before. They always look forward and backward, and want to leave more escape routes! In fact, the current situation is not bad, I still have control of the situation, it is just a precaution.
As I said just now, don’t pry into anything from now on, and don’t think too much about anything. But there is only one thing you must keep in mind. If the Zhou family loses power in the next two years, you must be the first to stand up and report to the court.
Impeach me!...You can find any specific impeachment charges. If things develop to the worst, I probably won't care about the severity of the charges against me..."
Seeing that Zhou Suhai wanted to say more, Zhou Shangjing's expression had returned to calmness, and with a hint of calmness that could not be rejected, he waved his hand and said: "I have made up my mind, you don't need to say anything more, just obey and do what you are told!"
In the end, after Zhou Suhai's expression changed for a long time, he knelt silently in front of Zhou Shangjing, kowtowed heavily, and then left the room with tears in his eyes, leaving Zhou Shangjing alone to sit quietly in the study, his expression still calm and calm, and whispered to himself
: "I'm talking about being a teenager... Now I'm just dealing with a junior, but I have to go to war. I really get more and more timid as I get older... Ha! Where can I still have the confidence and courage of my youth?