Chapter 1495: Chapter 1495: Frustrating
The day of the Yu family’s proposal arrived in no time. After their proposal succeeded, Zhou family’s relatives rushed to congratulate them, saying it was a good match.
News travels fast in the capital. The Yu family’s successful proposal to the Zhou Marquis Residence startled many. Many had believed the rumors, thinking the Yu family might marry into the imperial family with the princess. But to everyone’s surprise, the Yu family had no intention of pursuing the princess; instead, their attention fell on Fourth Miss Zhou.
The day after the proposal, Mr. Yu was all smiles—his second son’s marriage was settled.
Zhou Shuren’s spirits were low. Another granddaughter had been betrothed and would marry out. Sigh, his eldest granddaughter had already married and left with her husband; it had been over a year since he’d seen her.
Old Master Wen couldn’t empathize with Zhou Shuren’s reluctance to part with his granddaughter. Instead, his heart was filled with resentment towards both the Yu and Zhou families, especially the Yu family. To his mind, what was wrong with the Wen family? He had personally proposed an alliance, but the Yu family rejected him outright. He’d been stewing on that insult ever since.
Old Master Wen, now advanced in age, had droopy eyelids and a chilling gaze that locked onto Mr. Yu. He then darted a glance at Zhou Shuren, who, to his surprise, smiled back at him. It was a provocation—a deliberate provocation!
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes inwardly. Once again, he had irked Old Master Wen. Well, it didn’t bother him; he figured it was just one more flea on a dog. He’d continue doing as he pleased.
Mr. Yu, lacking the confidence of the Zhou Marquis Residence, averted his gaze decisively.
At this morning’s court session, the Ministry of Commerce proposed selecting talents from among the Graduates. Finally, a conclusion was reached: nationwide screening was unrealistic, so selection would begin as a pilot program in several nearby provinces around the capital.
Additionally, three days from now, orphaned soldiers’ children from nearby provinces would arrive in the capital.
The Emperor had been in good spirits these past few days.
After court, Zhou Shuren noticed the jubilant faces of the ministers and thought inwardly, "The Emperor has prepared the pit, and now the ministers are about to fall into it!"
The majority of the Graduates came from noble families, with only a few from poor scholars. While the Emperor spoke of selecting talents, he hadn’t mentioned that some of the selected individuals would be sent to the grasslands.
Those on the Emperor’s list assigned to the grasslands would handle leadership roles, while a significant number of grassroots officials would also be needed. Now the noble families’ children could fill the gap.
Mr. Yu approached, "Marquis Zhou, shall we leave the palace together?"
Zhou Shuren turned his head slightly; Old Master Wen’s gaze remained fixed on Mr. Yu. Clearly, he was harboring deep resentment. "All right," Zhou Shuren replied.
Mr. Yu exhaled heavily; he couldn’t withstand Old Master Wen’s gaze any longer. Sigh, with the Empress having two sons and a daughter, and the Crown Prince being her own, as long as the Wen family didn’t act recklessly, they would remain secure. Meanwhile, the Yu family had to tread carefully at every step. Now that they’d barely managed to re-enter the capital, they couldn’t afford to be driven out again.
Thinking along these lines, Mr. Yu consciously restrained himself from sticking too closely to Marquis Zhou. Yes, staying near him felt safer.
Zhou Shuren noticed and twitched his lips slightly. The Wen family’s connection to the Empress made too many people wary of them.
In Qiizhou Province, Zhou Changlian rubbed his neck. The Magistrate was supposed to be promoted this year, but last year’s flooding had prevented it. Coupled with a grain shortage, the Magistrate’s promotion had been delayed for another two years, which in turn also pushed back his own promotion.
Changlian sighed. Never mind. He was still young; a few years’ delay wasn’t a big deal.
The Magistrate entered. "What are you thinking about? I came in, and you were still off in a daze."
Changlian snapped out of it and smiled. "After the New Year, my mother wrote saying she’s already selected a match for my daughter. It made me emotional—she’ll be getting married in a few years."
Communication wasn’t convenient. Though the marriage proposal had been finalized in the capital, Changlian in Qiizhou Province knew nothing.
The Magistrate, knowing his wife’s aspirations, was also on the lookout for a good match for his son. The best family he’d encountered so far was the Zhou family. Now that Zhou Changlian had officially become a Marquis’ son, it was unfortunate their family hadn’t been chosen.
The Magistrate asked, "Who did Marquis Zhou select?"
Changlian, aware his mother had mentioned the marriage was definitely happening but hadn’t yet sent confirmation of betrothal, chose his words carefully and smiled. "Once the betrothal is finalized, I’ll inform you right away, Sir."
The Magistrate chuckled. He presumed it would be a match between families of equal standing and sighed inwardly—families of equal standing indeed.
Changlian asked, "Sir, did you seek me for something?"
The Magistrate replied, "Your mother, Mrs. Hou, is organizing a private orphanage. I came to ask how much you know about it."
When the news spread from the capital, his reaction was one of astonishment. Such a significant undertaking led by a woman—even if it was Marquis Zhou’s wife—was highly unusual. He had double-checked the information repeatedly before accepting it as fact.
Changlian understood the Magistrate’s perspective but personally felt it was entirely proper. As her son, he probably knew his mother the best.
"I don’t know much, but I trust my mother will manage it well. Although it hasn’t yet reached Qiizhou Province, I firmly believe it will someday. My mother is a visionary. You’ll see—she’ll earn the respect of people nationwide through her capabilities."
As Changlian continued talking, his tone grew more impassioned, his conviction unwavering—his mother and father were, in his heart, utterly extraordinary.
The Magistrate was stunned. "Calm down, please, calm down."
Changlian’s eyes burned with determination. "Sir, just wait a year. By this time next year, you’ll understand every word I’m saying is true."
The Magistrate was speechless. "..."
Previously, Zhou Changlian had been all about "my father this, my father that." Now it was "my mother this, my mother that." The praise was so high that even his biased feelings couldn’t help but turn into a glimmer of anticipation.
In the capital, Zhulan had no idea her third son had sung her praises. She was chatting with her youngest son, Chang Zhi, who was on leave. They were discussing orphan education, book compilations, textbooks, and technical manuals. The Emperor had already approved the use of her books on topics like mathematics for orphanages, and she was also focused on summarizing practical skills into written knowledge for easier teaching and understanding.
Chang Zhi, being the family’s most avid reader, dived into all sorts of books. Zhulan wanted to seek his advice on these matters.
After listening to his mother, Chang Zhi said, "Mother, some masters’ expertise cannot simply be compiled into books. Much of it is based entirely on their experience."
Zhulan sighed. "That’s exactly what I’m struggling with."
Chang Zhi suggested, "I overheard Second Brother say that Yushuang intends to train pharmacists specializing in processing medicinal materials. Orphanage children could also learn this. Writing books on processing medicinal materials should be relatively easier."
Zhulan nodded. "That’s a brilliant idea."
There were countless orphans across the country, and it was impossible to teach them all the same skills. The more skills they could learn, the better.
Suddenly, Chang Zhi mentioned, "Mother, the Hanlin Academy is also preparing to compile some texts. I’m on the list of those tasked with compiling."
Zhulan was surprised. "Has it been announced yet?"
Compiling textbooks was a major undertaking; news should have spread long ago. Yet, she hadn’t heard a word about it.
Chang Zhi shook his head. "No, it hasn’t been announced. The Crown Prince mentioned it to me yesterday when I entered the palace."
Zhulan asked, "What kind of books are they planning to compile?"
Chang Zhi spread his hands. "I have no idea."
"Once word gets out, people will be desperately jockeying for a spot."
Who wouldn’t want to be immortalized in history? Compiling books came with enormous benefits.
The next day marked a significant milestone for Zhulan—she was about to teach her first class to the orphans. However, upon arriving at the city gates, her carriage was stopped. Stepping down, she quickly paid her respects, "This humble wife greets the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager."
The Retired Emperor gestured for her to rise. "We’d like to hear your lecture too, Madam."
Zhulan was speechless. "..."
Could she say she didn’t want the Retired Emperor present? The last time, she had planned to deliver an impassioned speech but wasn’t given the chance. Now she aimed to implant ideas in the children’s minds, the result of hours of careful planning. Yet, with the Retired Emperor’s presence, she had no choice but to restrain herself. This was utterly frustrating!