Chapter 1491: Chapter 1491: Don’t Run Away
In the afternoon, after leaving the government office, Zhou Shuren returned home without mentioning the letter from his eldest son to his wife. Changing out of his official attire, he picked up the form Zhulan had filled out. "Daily schedule?"
Zhulan put down the writing brush in her hand. "Yes, the orphans in the East City District have been placed under my care, and the estate in the suburb of the capital has also started accepting orphans. The children’s daily routines need to be arranged. Take a look at my plan and let me know if you think it works or have suggestions."
The schedule in Zhou Shuren’s hands was clear and detailed: what time to wake up, when to have breakfast, morning sessions focused on foundational learning—half the time on literacy and half on arithmetic. Afternoon labor involved farming the estate’s land, and bedtime was fixed and punctual.
"You’ve written here that the afternoon labor is for older children. What’s the age range? How will younger children be arranged?"
Zhulan had thought it over carefully. "Labor for children over seven years old, with the work tailored to their capacity, and it’s not every day that they’ll be working. The children will rotate, so as to not harm their physical development. For those under seven, once the greenhouse is built, children aged five to six can grow vegetables. They’ll be guided by farmers to do tasks within their abilities."
As for the younger ones, simply being obedient would suffice.
Zhou Shuren said, "I suggest allocating two hours each day to instill values in the children. Orphans require psychological guidance."
"You’re absolutely right. Once the estate’s houses are completed, I’ll deliver a few lessons to the children and conduct some counseling sessions."
Zhou Shuren said, "I’ll also come over to help during my days off."
"That would be great."
"There are over 170 orphans in the East City, and the number will only increase in the future. The orphanage lacks personnel. How do you plan to resolve this issue?"
Zhulan shared her thoughts. "I don’t intend to use palace serve women. They’ve been brainwashed with strict regulations and would hinder my plans in the future. I’m planning to hire village women to manage the cooking and find female tutors with independent thinking to care for the girls. What’s your opinion on this?"
Zhou Shuren said, "The idea is good, but female tutors are hard to find."
"I have someone in mind; I just don’t know if I can persuade them to join."
Zhou Shuren said, "I believe you’ll come up with a solution."
Zhulan wasn’t entirely confident she could recruit someone. After all, this was ancient times, not modern society, where money could solve most problems. "I’ll do my best to invite them. If it doesn’t work out, I would step in myself."
This made Zhou Shuren uneasy—if his wife wasn’t home, what would he do?
The next day, as soon as Zhou Shuren had finished court, he was intercepted by Mr. Wen, who asked, "I heard that the estate for the civilian orphanage is building greenhouses? Marquis Zhou, the silver we donated was meant to be spent on the orphans. Yet, not one orphan has been cared for so far; instead, it’s being spent on building greenhouses. Shouldn’t Mrs. Hou provide an explanation to us donors?"
Zhou Shuren glanced at the people behind Mr. Wen and countered, "These past two years have seen abnormal temperature changes—Mr. Wen must admit this, correct?"
"Yes, but what does abnormal temperature have to do with giving us an explanation?"
Zhou Shuren said, "Abnormal temperatures have caused crops to fail to adapt to changing conditions, leading to reduced grain yields. Last year stands as evidence—ordinarily, snow would’ve melted by now, but this year there’s no sign of melted snow, and the winter chill remains severe. Thus, greenhouses are vital for food production. I don’t see any issue with building greenhouses."
After pausing, he continued, "Oh, and let me explain the concept of a positive cycle. The estate’s land will be farmed by the orphans, aiming for self-sufficiency. The greenhouse ensures partial grain output, allowing vegetables to be cultivated even in winter to exchange for more food. Winter vegetables are very expensive. I’ve always believed it’s better to rely on oneself than depend on others—don’t you think civilian orphanages shouldn’t rely solely on donations?"
He added one last comment, "Of course, if you gentlemen enjoy charitable acts and can commit to donating regularly every year, I will inform my wife to no longer worry about grain supplies—and we’ll halt the greenhouse construction. After all, the orphanage will have consistent support from you esteemed gentlemen."
Mr. Wen said, "..."
The other ministers said, "..."
To hell with enjoying charitable acts and annual donations! Just this one-time donation already made their hearts ache. Wouldn’t donating silver be better spent on acquiring calligraphy, wine, or concubines?
Zhou Shuren smiled cheerfully. "Last year, you led the efforts to donate grain, Mr. Wen—I deeply admire you for it. Now, you’re showing great concern for the civilian orphanage, which moves me profoundly. Speaking of coincidences, the left side of the orphan estate happens to be adjacent to your estate, Mr. Wen."
Mr. Wen suddenly felt his chest tighten. "I—"
Just as he began to speak, Zhou Shuren interrupted. "Yesterday, 173 orphans from East City entered the civilian orphanage. My wife is worried the estate might not be adequate. You, Mr. Wen, being so kindhearted and concerned for the orphans, surely wouldn’t begrudge donating your estate. On behalf of the capital’s orphans, I sincerely thank you for your generosity."
Mr. Wen said, "..."
He hadn’t even finished speaking before Zhou Shuren weaponized morality and seized one of his estates. He was so furious he felt like spitting blood.
Seeing Mr. Wen remain silent, Zhou Shuren fixed his gaze upon him and straightened his posture. His smile faded. "You’re unwilling? Or do you mean your kindness was merely for show?"
Mr. Wen could hardly contain his anger and gritted out, "I will send over the estate’s deed shortly."
Zhou Shuren’s gaze swept across the ministers behind Mr. Wen. "Mr. Li, Mr. Qie."
Mr. Qie clutched his stomach. "Oh no, my stomach hurts terribly—I’ll take my leave."
Mr. Li said, "The wind is so cold today, I feel unwell as well—I must go."
Soon after, all the ministers made contrived excuses to leave, terrified of Zhou Shuren demanding land or silver. Marquis Zhou was ruthless! He had just swindled an estate from the Wen family!
Currently, estates near the capital couldn’t even be purchased with money!
Once they were far enough away, Zhou Shuren suddenly shouted, "Gentlemen, your relationship with Mr. Wen is so close—you must all be equally kindhearted. I will find time to visit and bother you for tea."
The figures ahead quickened their pace, afraid Zhou Shuren might catch up.
Prince Qi and Prince Chu witnessed the spectacle from the sidelines. Clicking their tongues in admiration, they remarked that Zhou Shuren handled matters flawlessly. Even if his wife handled the civilian orphanage herself, with Marquis Zhou’s backing, nothing could go awry. Mr. Wen’s failed attempt at sabotage was a complete miscalculation!
Zhou Shuren adjusted his cloak. This episode taught Mr. Wen and his faction a lesson, preventing them from stirring unnecessary trouble easily. Though Zhou Shuren wouldn’t mind them creating more trouble—capital estates were exceedingly difficult to acquire, after all.
His wife had already organized the estates, intending for each to operate like an academy in the future. He hadn’t been dishonest—they truly needed more estates.
As the spectators dispersed, recent dissatisfaction toward Zhou Shuren had been temporarily quelled. Because Zhulan was taking on tasks, many felt that Zhou Shuren was not fulfilling his role as head of the household. Some wanted to make cutting remarks. After witnessing today’s theatrical confrontation, they abandoned the idea, too afraid of being trapped into losing an estate themselves. Unable to provoke him, they resolved to leave the matter unseen and untouched.
That day, Wong Ju didn’t attend court. Mr. Yu quickly caught up with Zhou Shuren. "Marquis."
Zhou Shuren said, "What is it?"
Mr. Yu smiled. "Your household has been very busy recently. I haven’t been able to find a suitable day to visit. What do you think would be a good day?"
Zhou Shuren paused. He had indeed been busy lately. After a moment of silence, he said, "Are there any auspicious days coming up?"