The next day, at noon, Zhou Shuren looked at the petition list handed to him by Xiao Qing. "So many elders have petitioned this morning?"
Xiao Qing's eyes remained fixed on Zhou Shuren. "The rumors are getting worse by the day, and seeing the Emperor is the only way to stop them."
Feeling Xiao Qing's gaze, Zhou Shuren put down the petition list, picked up the pen, added his own name behind that of Xiao Qing in one sweeping motion, and handed it to Qiu Yan. "You are right."
Xiao Qing, "..."
Qiu Yan, after adding his name, asked, "Should all the officials from the Ministry of Revenue sign it?"
Disappointed not to glean anything from Zhou Shuren's expression, Xiao Qing took the completed list. "No need."
After Xiao Qing left, Zhou Shuren, stroking his beard, thought to himself that all the ministers at court, whether they had ulterior motives or were devoted to the Emperor, were somewhat panicked at this time.