Chapter 1498: Chapter 1498: Attentive
Time flew by, the temperature gradually rose, the traces of snow disappeared, and the earth donned a fresh green attire. Outside the city, the mountains were filled with people digging for wild vegetables.
The houses for the private orphanage were completed, and the children lived daily according to a schedule. The number of orphans in the village had already exceeded four hundred.
Everything was progressing positively. Those who were waiting to see a failure witnessed instead how the private orphanage flourished.
In the capital, a major event—the Graduate selection—yielded fifty talents. Only five were assigned to the Ministry of Commerce, ten were allocated to other ministries, and the remaining thirty-five were all placed on the list for frontier expeditions.
Recently, the atmosphere among the noble families has been heavy; no one wanted to participate in the frontier development. They employed all possible methods during the selection process, but now, they’re filled with regret.
Zhulan received the items sent back by Ming Teng, among which hides were the most numerous. Particularly striking were the wolf skins.
Lady Li was alarmed, "Did they encounter a pack of wolves?"
Zhulan, having finished reading the letter from Ming Teng, replied, "Yes, with the arrival of spring, wolf packs are desperately hungry."
Lady Zhao was deeply worried, "Wolves hold grudges the most. Killing so many of them will surely bring revenge sooner or later."
Zhulan wasn’t concerned about Ming Teng; Ming Teng and Rongchuan were accompanied by guards. "That boy even sent back two wild horses. Wild horse herds are rare encounters—quite lucky indeed."
Su Xuan’s eyes lit up, "Mother, let me go see the two horses."
"Go ahead."
Lau Jia’s smile appeared forced. She had just finished reading the letter from her husband, who would be returning in winter at best. Newlyweds having to part—though she understood the reasoning behind it, her heart still felt bittersweet.
Zhulan distributed the items sent back by Ming Teng. Not long after Lady Li and the others left, the Jiang family’s matriarch visited unexpectedly, surprising Zhulan, as the elderly lady rarely paid visits.
Lady Jiangwang didn’t even step into the room before smiling and saying, "Dear In-law, I’ve come to bring you good news."
Zhulan’s heart stirred, "Has Jiang Zhu’s wife conceived?"
The elderly lady’s smile froze briefly before quickly recovering, "Jiang Miu—Jiang Miu is pregnant! This is a letter from Jiang Miu for you, and I’ve brought it along."
Zhulan sighed warmly, "Indeed, this is a joyous occasion."
The elderly lady continued, "Yes, Jiang Miu married rather late, and I’ve always been concerned. Now, I can be at ease."
Zhulan thought to herself, it’s not Jiang Miu she’s been concerned about; what truly preoccupies her mind is Jiang Zhu. "Children come when the time is right; there’s no need to brood over it. Just let nature take its course."
Lady Jiangwang found herself unable to continue her prepared remarks. She had intended to steer the conversation toward Jiang Zhu, yet due to her elder son’s familial complexities, she dared not say much lest she upset her younger son’s wife. Despite her inner turmoil, she had to be tactful even—especially—in front of her grandson’s spouse. Today’s visit was partly to see if Zhulan might probe into the matter, allowing her to assert some pressure on her grandson’s wife back home. But this agenda fell through.
Zhulan paid no mind to Lady Jiangwang’s stiff expression and instead asked, "I hear from Jiang Zhu that your greenhouse vegetables are selling quite well?"
Lady Jiangwang’s smile became more natural, "Yes, indeed. This year we’ve profited quite a bit. There are still many vegetables left in the greenhouse. Once everything sells out, I plan to plant some watermelons. What do you think, dear In-law?"
Zhulan nodded, "Sounds like a great idea."
In the Palace, Zhou Shuren and several ministers emerged from the Emperor’s study. The purpose was to serve as an example and a warning—to execute a batch of criminals across the provinces while proposing several new laws.
Zhou Shuren wasn’t in good spirits. The Emperor had implemented harsh measures, intending to execute one-tenth of the offenders. If it weren’t for the need for laborers in frontier development, the Emperor would have executed even more.
On the way out of the Palace, Mr. Qie suddenly spoke, "Marquis Zhou, I’ve heard that the children in the private orphanage are all being taught to read and write?"
Zhou Shuren halted in his tracks, his already sour mood pushing him to retort bluntly, "Don’t use words like ’I’ve heard’; just admit you’ve been watching the situation closely. Who doesn’t know who? Stop pretending—it’s better to engage sincerely."
Mr. Qie’s face darkened, "Marquis Zhou, your temper is quite fiery."
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes. The noble families had been deceived by the Emperor. Mr. Qie’s third son was among those sent to the frontier. Originally hopeful for a position in the Ministry of Commerce, the Emperor instead added him to the frontier development roster, departing in three days.
By now, the noble families had realized the truth: the Imperial Orphanage and even the private orphanages were producing literate children. Combined, they already numbered close to eight hundred.
Eight hundred may seem insignificant in a modern educational system with widespread compulsory schooling, but in ancient times, this figure was unheard of. For comparison, even a provincial academy and private schools together might not reach eight hundred literate individuals, illustrating how rare education was in this era.
And these eight hundred were just from the capital. Royal orphanages were gradually being established in provinces nationwide, with specific figures held by the Emperor. It’s natural for noble families to feel troubled.
Zhou Shuren dismissed Mr. Qie’s comment, leaving him seething with anger. Beneath Mr. Qie’s rage lay frustration, as Zhou Shuren was the mastermind behind the proposal that led to the establishment of the Imperial Orphanage and the Empress Dowager’s private orphanage initiative. Unable to challenge the Emperor directly, Mr. Qie vented his resentment toward Zhou Shuren.
Mr. Qie had more to say but was interrupted when Old Lord Wen coughed lightly. Mr. Qie took a deep breath, glaring fiercely at Zhou Shuren.
Zhou Shuren, thick-skinned and unfazed by hostility, continued walking without turning back. He was unbothered by accumulating animosity. The private orphanages were meant to cultivate skilled laborers and had been strategically positioned to avoid resource competition with the noble families. Meanwhile, the Imperial Orphanage remained under royal control. Ultimately, the noble families’ focus remained on opposing the royal family. Zhou Shuren and his wife had planned this out long ago—since the Zhou family couldn’t contend with all the noble families, they might as well let the royal family clash with them instead, mutually wearing each other down.
Let the royal family and the noble families toil against one another—it would only work in their favor.
The next day, Yu Die and several others departed the capital alongside Ming Rui’s group. Zhulan was uneasy, "Bring more young servants with you. Be cautious during the hunting trip."
Ming Rui reassured her, "Grandmother, I will take good care of my younger siblings."
Zhulan didn’t stop them from leaving; the children had their social circles to maintain. With the rejuvenation of nature, the capital’s young noblemen had myriad activities to pursue. Hunting became the preferred choice, and many had their sights set on deer.
Though the children had left, Zhulan remained worried. She disliked hunting as an activity—it was dangerous, especially archery. Accidents could happen; what if someone accidentally shot one of their own?
Yu Die and the others, however, were quite thrilled—even Yu Wen joined in on the trip.
This outing involved familiar faces. Second Young Master Liu and Second Young Master Yu were part of the group—already engaged with the Zhou family, so there was no need for discretion.
At the city gates, they gathered. Liu Yuanbo and Yu Yueyang were already waiting, along with Shangguan Liu, all of them unmarried.
Ran Xun wasn’t invited due to his past misdeeds tarnishing his reputation. Since this trip included younger sisters, they had to consider reputational concerns and thus excluded him.
Once outside the capital, Liu Yuanbo rode up to the side of Yu Die’s carriage. "Today, I’m determined to take the lead and dedicate all my game to you."
Completely forgetting his mother’s instructions to bring back any deer he hunted.
Yu Yueyang watched Liu Yuanbo’s display of affection with a blank expression, pursed his lips, and urged his horse forward to follow suit. "My archery skills aren’t bad; any game I catch will go to Fourth Miss as well."
Yu Yi chuckled, genuinely surprised Yu Yueyang enjoyed hunting. "Alright, I’ll be waiting."
Yu Yueyang froze, his horse halting as the carriage continued onward. Only after it moved out of sight did he chase Ming Rui down and ask, "Did you hear that?"
Ming Rui sneered, "Their claims sounded impressive. Now let’s see their actual skills."
Yu Yueyang, "....."
Liu Yuanbo, "....."