From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Chapter 1059

Kunqu Opera has elegant lyrics, graceful intonation and delicate performance. Its unique "Zhongzhou charm" can always soothe people's mood.

Qu Shouyuan lived in Shenjing for many years. He liked Peking Opera at that time, but in recent years he has become more and more fond of Kunqu Opera. In comparison, although Kunqu Opera is not so grand, it is just right for his leisure time after dinner.

After singing a few songs, the actors bowed, and Qu Shouyuan was drowsy and dozed off.

But just at this moment, the official quietly walked behind him and whispered: "Master, the Minister of Commerce Zhao Cheng is here to visit."

Qu Shouyuan suddenly opened his eyes, shot up directly, and said anxiously: "Just say I'm not here! Just say I'm visiting a friend! I don't know when I'll be back!"

He turned around and went to the backyard, but heard a happy voice: "Dad! Look! Lord Zhao is here!"

Qu Shouyuan's figure froze, and he slowly turned around, only to see his silly son walking quickly with Zhao Cheng, talking and laughing, and really deserved a beating!

How could I give birth to such a stupid thing!

He is not even half as smart as Ling'er!

Qu Shuyuan narrowed his eyes with a kind expression.

Zhao Cheng bowed and said, "Hello, Mr. Qu. I haven't seen you for a year. You are still in good health!"

Qu Shaoqing laughed loudly and said, "Brother Zhao is right. My father worked hard on state affairs in his early years. In recent years, he has fewer worries, so he is in good spirits. He is busy listening to music and playing with birds every day. It's a blessing for us as younger generations!"

Qu Shouyuan waved his hand, cursed a few idiots, and then laughed, "Zhao Cheng, did you just come south from Shenjing?"

Zhao Cheng nodded and said, "Yes, the sea has been opened for more than half a year. The structure of the Ministry of Commerce is basically completed. The establishment and implementation of many rules are unprecedented. In addition, the Imperial Academy just needs me to show my face, so I went back to Shenjing to report on my work. I was busy and hurried. I passed by Jinling, but I didn't dare not to visit Mr. Qu."

Qu Shaoqing laughed and said, "Brother Zhao is a virtuous and filial person. It is admirable."

Qu Shouyuan slowly pressed his forehead and really wanted to kick his son to death.

Sure enough, Zhao Cheng continued, "Dajin has been silent for many years, and there is a lot to be done. After the implementation of the sea-opening policy, the vitality of the entire coastal area has risen, but our infrastructure can't keep up."

"Qualification review personnel, port construction, shipyard investment, major business houses also need financial support."

"The younger generation always has a thousand tricks, but it is difficult to cook without rice, so I ask Mr. Qu for help and lend three million taels of silver to help the Ministry of Commerce overcome this year's difficulties."

Qu Shaoqing was stunned and looked at Zhao Cheng dully.

I treat you as a brother, and you treat me as a bank?

Qu Shuyuan took a breath of cold air. He knew this would happen. Last year, he came in the name of Zhou Yuan and asked for 400,000 taels of silver. This year, he asked for three million.

He covered his chest and murmured, "It's not that I don't want to help, but this family has such a large annual expenditure, and there is no income. The only surplus has been spent."

Qu Shaoqing hurriedly said: "Yes, yes, Brother Zhao, we have no money!"

Zhao Cheng said solemnly: "Mr. Qu, I am not doing this for my own personal gain, but for the country and the nation. Besides, I am not not paying it back, I am just borrowing it."

"I am doing my job in my position, and I know everything I should know. The Qu family has hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land, more than 70 shops, and two money houses... There is still an annual income of 300,000 or 400,000."

"After so many years, the Qu family's silver vault is probably about to break 10 million!"

Qu Shuyuan widened his eyes and pointed at Zhao Cheng, his hands were shaking.

He took a few deep breaths and shook his head, saying, "It's far from that much. Your information is wrong. Besides, the silver is all in the property. Three million taels cannot be taken out."

Zhao Cheng smiled and said, "Mr. Qu is willing to help the country. It is indeed a noble act. The specific amount can be discussed."

Qu Shaoqing said loudly, "Three million is impossible! Two million at most!"

After he finished speaking, he saw that his father looked like he was about to die, so he quickly changed his words and said, "One million at most!"

Zhao Cheng immediately said, "For the sake of our friendship, only 800,000! That's it!"

He was really surprised. Although he asked for three million, Zhao Cheng's psychological expectation was 300,000... Now he can get 800,000, which is really beyond his expectations!

After finally sending Zhao Cheng away, Qu Shouyuan finally couldn't help but stand up and said angrily: "Idiot! Idiot! Eight hundred thousand taels of silver! You just gave it away like that!"

Qu Shaoqing said: "Dad, he borrowed it..."

Qu Shouyuan stamped his feet anxiously: "If he doesn't return it, do you dare to ask His Majesty for it? You think your life is too long! If you are serious, His Majesty will be serious with you. Which big family can withstand the investigation!"

Qu Shaoqing said helplessly: "That Zhao Cheng...smiles and looks harmless, who knows he is so bad!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the official rushed in again and whispered, "Master, three women came outside, showing the sign of the Inner Court, saying they want to see you."

"Inner Court?"

Qu Shuyuan frowned and said in a deep voice, "Let them in..."

Soon, Zhuang Xuansu walked into the Qu Mansion with Bai Xue and Bai Bing.

Straight to the point, Zhuang Xuansu said in a deep voice, "Mr. Qu, I'm here to ask for money, three million taels of silver."

Qu Shaoqing jumped up and shouted, "You have an appointment, right? I tell you, I will give you at most thirty... no... twenty... no! Not a penny! Go away!"

Qu Shuyuan took a deep breath and said slowly, "Shaoqing, it's time to weed the back garden at home, go and do it."

Qu Shaoqing asked in confusion, "Dad, me? Weeding?"

Qu Shuyuan said, "No one is allowed to help him. When he finishes, when can he eat? "After finishing his words, he looked at Zhuang Xuansu and chuckled, "When do you want the silver?" Zhuang Xuansu said, "The sooner the better. We need to do it secretly and transport it to Jiangxi. I will personally take the inner guards with me." "Okay, I understand. We can leave before dark tomorrow at the latest." Qu Shouyuan said, and then he smiled reluctantly, "Your Majesty, do you have any other instructions?" Zhuang Xuansu said, "When order collapses, it takes a truly prestigious person to stand up and preside over the situation. Your Majesty hopes that the old man will leave as soon as possible and go to Shenjing." Qu Shouyuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly and nodded. He had expected that he would be involved in this vortex. Being in a high position is sometimes not a good thing. Seeing Zhuang Xuansu's back as he left, Qu Shuyuan was silent for a long time before he sighed, "It's time to reshuffle the cards, it's time to change."

"It's finally come to this!"

He lay down slowly and laughed softly. Three million taels of silver was nothing. The big deal was to survive this disaster safely.

Ling'er was really smart. She had already lined up early. The Qu family had already been invincible.

What they had to pay for was nothing more than those scenes, reputation, and face. It didn't matter.

After the storm, the Qu family was still the Qu family, and there would be no changes.

He squinted his eyes, thinking about everything in his mind, fiddling with two walnuts in his hands, and seemed to have entered his most leisurely thinking rhythm.