"What are you trying to do? Do you think Great Chu has no capable people, and you need to offer these slanderous words?"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, this commoner knows his guilt." Third Master Zhou knelt down and kowtowed, not refuting a single word, his attitude fully humble and sincere throughout the city.

"Indeed, you are guilty, but I think of your youth and ignorance, and I’m willing to give you a chance to make amends." Emperor Xuanming said.

Third Master Zhou remained kneeling, "Thank you, Your Majesty, this commoner will exert all efforts."

"First, tell me if the method written here was conceived by you or if someone guided you." Emperor Xuanming began discussing with him the matter of maritime trade, which Third Master Zhou had written about in his memorial.

In the past, Great Chu lacked technology, and even if they opened the seas, they couldn’t travel far. Naturally, sea trade was nothing more than a notion. Now, it’s entirely different. Regarding sea trade, Emperor Xuanming had to be cautious. With so much silver, if not managed, it’s likely that maritime merchants would quickly become wealthy while the national treasury remained empty, leaving the Emperor himself short on silver.

Third Master Zhou felt confident inside but displayed a look of fortune on his face, earnestly speaking about maritime trade, from conditions overseas to how maritime merchants earned silver, and how imported goods were sold, among numerous details he spoke for a full hour before finishing.

After listening, Emperor Xuanming looked at Third Master Zhou several times, "Not bad. I have always appointed based on merit. Your talents, even as a merchant, could be a waste. You might as well enter the Jiangnan Commerce and Shipbuilding Department to manage customs tax silver."

Even though Third Master Zhou had already guessed that Emperor Xuanming might use his ideas, he couldn’t help but feel excited when it was actually said, his face glowing as he promptly knelt down to give thanks.

Once Third Master Zhou left the palace, news of his appointment had already spread.

The Zhou Family’s temporary residence in the capital became a bustling place where guests flocked like clouds. Whether it was former business associates or capital officials, those with high status sent servants to offer congratulations, while those with lower status even personally visited.

Now, everyone could see that the Ministry of Industry Office was an imperial confidant, and Third Master Zhou, who originally had no official title, was suddenly bestowed an official position, akin to Chu Jin being granted nobility earlier.

Moreover, Third Master Zhou was overseeing maritime tax silver, which from its duties alone, was known to be a lucrative position.

It’s worth noting that previously, several officials in the capital had their eyes on this position.

Who would have thought that eventually, it was awarded to an unknown merchant. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Not only did this slap them in the face, but Emperor Xuanming’s somewhat arbitrary reputation also spread.

"Third Master, I didn’t expect you to be so capable, able to enter the palace and meet the Emperor, and not be disliked, granted such a good position, I’m envious." Chu Jin, carrying a gift, came to visit.

Although he and Third Master Zhou didn’t go out to sea together, they had encountered each other later and maintained some acquaintance, especially during the time in Jiangnan before going to sea, Chu Jin naturally welcomed interactions with him.

Third Master Zhou smiled, "Young Brother Chu is also quite good. If you can figure out what that Western clock is really about, it would truly be a matter that benefits the country and people."

"Oh, don’t say that, it’s really tough." Chu Jin casually found a seat, sat down, and poured himself some tea.

This caused the servant who was entertaining guests outside and entered to find Third Master Zhou to lower his eyes in embarrassment.