When Zhou Shuren left the palace, he was in high spirits. The Zhezi, detailing the resources he wanted to exchange, consisted entirely of valuable items—items prohibited from maritime trade. No country would willingly part with essential resources unless absolutely necessary.
At the Ministry of Rites, Zhou Shuren signaled for Jin Yan to go inside and find Chang Yi. Busy as he was, Chang Yi came out quickly, hopped onto the carriage, and asked, "Father, is there anything you need me to do?"
Zhou Shuren gestured for his son to lean in, speaking quietly, "The Emperor has drafted the Zhezi for grain exchange. Keep it in mind and take the opportunity to chat and probe the foreign ambassadors in the coming days."
Chang Yi thought to himself that he was experienced at gathering information—time to make political achievements, "Rest assured, Father, I will handle it well."
"Alright, you go ahead; I'm heading back."
Indeed, Chang Yi was busy, still entertaining ambassadors, "Okay."