"No, no!" Tong Xihua waved his hand. "I also like Fourth Sister." He seemed very tense and uneasy.

Everyone laughed together, and no one mentioned Tong Xiyu and Madam Mei.

The First Master, Fourth Master Xiao, and Tong Shenzhi talked about Chief Lei’s return, and the First Master said, "The memorial has been submitted, the Emperor has approved it, asking us to come up with a specific plan, just waiting for Chief Lei to take it to Fujian after August."

The Fujian and Guangdong Maritime Trade Bureau positions were finally about to be settled.

Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, and the First Master leaned over and asked, "What do you think about the fishery tax?" The court had waged a few small wars in the past few years, and Jiangnan had suffered consecutive years of disaster and famine. The national treasury had finally caught its breath after two years of adjustment, but it was still short on funds. A few days ago, Lord Wu proposed to the Emperor to increase the fishery tax.

It stirred up a great controversy, and the court immediately burst into an uproar.

Some agreed, some opposed, and the most vehement opposition came from Minister of the Imperial Academy, Lord Zhang.

Fourth Master Xiao slowly sipped his tea, looked at the First Master, and replied, "The reopening of the sea ban has been ongoing for four years, and it is only now beginning to show results. Although Lord Wu’s idea of a fishery tax sounds like a dream, implementing it might be fraught with difficulties. The first to not agree might be... the Shen Family."

In recent years, the Shen Family had already made a fortune from the reopened sea ban through maritime trade and fisheries. If the fishery tax were increased, how could the Shen Family agree?

The First Master stroked his beard and nodded, "The Great Governor makes sense. This issue might just be a pipe dream of Lord Wu." Then he looked at Tong Shenzhi, "Wenxian, you should advise him appropriately when the time is right."

Lord Wu was Tong Shenzhi’s mentor.

Tong Shenzhi lowered his gaze slightly and replied, "The other day, at Lord Zhang’s birthday banquet, Lord Wu got very drunk." With that, he paused and looked at the First Master and Fourth Master Xiao... the implication was clear.

The First Master and Fourth Master Xiao each lowered their heads to drink tea, already tacitly understanding.

Xiqiu and Madam Jiang exchanged glances, leading several children out. Under the starry sky, Xiqiu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, when will you give me a niece?"

Madam Jiang’s face reddened, and she spat at Xiqiu, "I haven’t said anything about you, yet you bring this up with me!" After saying this, both looked at Tong Xiyan, who was taken aback, "Why are you looking at me? The doctor has already told me it’s extremely difficult for me to conceive!"

Seeing her unconcerned attitude, Madam Jiang glared at her and replied, "Who talks about themselves like that?"

Tong Xiyan was unperturbed, speaking earnestly, "I’m just telling the truth!" Madam Jiang didn’t want to listen, pulling Xiqiu along, "Come, let’s talk in my room."

Xiqiu covered her face and giggled.

That night, Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao returned to the mansion, casually chatting, "I remember Lord Jiang is Lord Zhang’s protege, right?" Lord Zhang was the only cabinet minister who had served through three dynasties.

"Yes." Fourth Master Xiao removed his coat, and Xiqiu took a fan to gently fan him. Fourth Master Xiao then took the fan and, reversing it, fanned Xiqiu while saying, "Lord Wu’s intentions are good, but with the sea ban reopening, there might be unrest along the coast. If the fishery tax is further increased, it could cause turmoil. With Lord Zhang blocking it, the Emperor will undoubtedly consider it carefully."

Xiqiu nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "What’s up with the Shen Family? I’ve never heard of them engaging in shipping?"

Fourth Master Xiao tapped Xiqiu on the head with the fan, chuckling, "Silly girl, where do you think all the wealth of the Teng Family went?"

Xiqiu paused, then realized what Fourth Master Xiao implied. The Teng Jia’s fortunes, once rivals to a nation, had filled the national treasury, but their most valuable assets weren’t visible wealth—it was their accumulated connections and relationships over the years. She had considered this before but assumed since Chief Lei was overseeing it personally, those assets must have gone to the court or would have been included in the Maritime Trade Bureau. She hadn’t expected them to fall into the Shen Family’s hands.

"Old Madam Shen truly lives up to her royal origin, undaunted by any competition!" Xiqiu exclaimed.

Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze deepened, but he said nothing.

Xiqiu asked again, "Is Mr. Bao rumored to be returning this year? He’s been stationed on Henan Road for the past two years. The Emperor should reward him, right?" Fourth Master Xiao nodded and replied, "He might be assigned to a position under my father-in-law."

That’s good news; Mr. Bao, as an advisor to Xiao Yanyi, would be considered one of their own. Working under the First Master, he might become a close aide to him.

A few days later, the issue of the fishery tax overshadowed the opposition to the reopening of the Fujian Maritime Trade Bureau. The discussion about lifting the sea ban in Fujian faded, and everyone’s focus shifted to the fishery tax, leading to an easy passage of the Maritime Trade Bureau’s proposal.

Xiqiu even began to suspect Lord Wu’s original intentions...

After coaxing Zhi to sleep and practicing calligraphy with Min, Fourth Master Xiao returned from the government office. Xiqiu greeted him with tea, noticing his complex expression as he looked at her.

Xiqiu’s heart skipped a beat, and she asked, "What’s wrong? Did something happen?"

Fourth Master Xiao set down the teacup and took her hand, pulling her to sit beside him.

Xiqiu’s heart raced as she steadied herself beside Fourth Master Xiao. "What’s the matter?"

Fourth Master Xiao slowly said, "Today, someone submitted a memorial recommending Wenxian as the Eldest Prince’s tutor." He paused and continued, "I think the Emperor also has this intention."

"Elder Brother?" Xiqiu was stunned, "To be the Eldest Prince’s tutor?"

Fourth Master Xiao nodded.

For some reason, Xiqiu recalled what Old Madam Shen had once told her.

The Eldest Prince is growing up, and his enlightenment is imminent... The position of enlightenment teacher is one of lifelong mentorship, a status and honor that cannot be overlooked. In the history of Great Zhou, those who served as the Crown Prince’s tutor often ascended to the highest ranks, second only to the Emperor!

It was undoubtedly the utmost honor.

"Who submitted the memorial? There are many capable people in the court; why recommend Elder Brother?" Xiqiu frowned and asked.

Fourth Master Xiao handed her the tea, signaling her not to worry, and spoke softly, "A few days ago, someone proposed appointing my father-in-law as Assistant Lecturer... but recently, they also mentioned Wenxian." Fourth Master Xiao touched Xiqiu’s hair, "Actually, this matter isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Wenxian."

Xiqiu understood. What Tong Shenzhi needed to do now was to accumulate experience. When the older generation in the court had retired, he would become a vital minister in the future. For the time being, it was wise to avoid involvement with the Imperial Family. In these recent years, both the Eldest and Second Princes were growing up in the palace, and though three newborn Princes were still in their infancy and couldn’t yet be foreseen, who could predict how the future might unfold...