Zhulan had difficulty getting up; with Zhou Shuren's support, she was able to sit up. "An invitation from the official in charge of Maritime Affairs."
Zhou Shuren pursed his lips, displeased. "You're over nine months pregnant. Don't they know that?"
This was a fine time to fray his nerves indeed.
Zhulan smiled, "They do know, which is why it's not an invitation. It's a visiting card."
Zhou Shuren scoffed, "A weasel paying a New Year's visit is up to no good. They must be anxious after hearing the news from the capital."
The deputy minister was not only the Emperor's internal informant, but also someone who wished he would quickly clear up the tax matters. According to his understanding of the Emperor, these people were not ones the Emperor wished to deal with at the moment.
Zhulan was puzzled, "What news from the capital?"
Zhou Shuren, "The deputy minister's house was raided."
Zhulan, "...."
