Zhou Shuren was in high spirits, wanting to leave the palace, but before he took two steps, Eunuch Zhang arrived. "Mr. Hou, the Emperor has something to discuss with you."
Zhou Shuren, "....."
He regretted showing off; if he had known he'd be summoned, he would have slipped away after the morning court session.
Zhou Shuren dawdled to the government hall, two quarters of an hour had passed. Eunuch Zhang was anxious, but to no avail.
The Emperor, seeing Zhou Shuren finally arrive, said, "If you hadn't come soon, I would have sent guards to find you."
Zhou Shuren sighed, "Emperor, I truly have no silver, you can't keep squeezing me like this. Look at how skinny my old arms and legs are, what more can you extract?"
The Emperor was silent for a moment, "Alas, I have no choice either."
Zhou Shuren spread his hands, "I have no choice either."
The Imperial court kept seeking silver from him; come spring, he always wanted to escape, as springtime made him irritable.
