Chapter 49: 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?