Chapter 1487: Chapter 1487: I am the Most Powerful Wife
Zhulan felt ten years younger because of the new appointment. Her whole body was filled with energy, and her mood was great. The smile on her lips never disappeared, and seeing her sons startled made her feel even better.
Chang Yi saw his mother waiting for his response and cautiously opened his mouth, "Mother, are you really going to take up the appointment?"
Zhulan’s tone was faint, "Oh? Do you also think I shouldn’t take up the role?"
Chang Yi heard the undertone and quickly shook his head, "No, in my heart, mother is the most capable. The Empress Dowager’s choice of you is truly insightful!"
Ming Rui turned his head aside, his shoulders trembling slightly. Father sure has a strong survival instinct!
Zhulan’s gaze shifted to Chang Zhi. Only two sons were at home at the moment. Chang Zhi noticed his mother’s eyes sweep toward him and promptly spoke up, "Mother, you’ve been buried by societal norms for too long. When I heard the decision today, I felt truly happy for you."
Ming Jia stared blankly at his father. Pah! Father sure knows how to talk. He must have avoided being thoughtful earlier purely out of laziness!
Zhulan listened to her sons’ words, feeling comfortable inside, "So you’re saying you support me taking up this appointment?"
Chang Yi and Chang Zhi responded in unison, "We support you, mother."
The two brothers exchanged a glance after speaking, each seeing the glimmer of survival instincts in the other’s eyes.
Mingyun had been silently observing his grandmother. She seemed more vibrant today than in any of his memories, overflowing with confidence and completely unbothered by the challenge of defying tradition. It felt as if everything was under her control.
Mingyun then looked at his grandfather, whose gaze had been fixed on grandmother, filled with pride. Mingyun’s lips curled upward. His grandmother, capable of compiling books, filled him with pride as well. A woman holding office—she was the first in the dynasty.
Chang Yi said, "Mother, if there’s anything you need help with, please be sure to let me know."
As her son, he was already capable of handling matters independently. He understood well that his mother taking up office would be met with resistance, and much of the capital seemed poised to mock and attack her, hoping for an opportunity to strike at her—and by extension, his father. Too many people were waiting for a chance to make trouble.
Chang Zhi said, "Mother, me too. Whatever you need, just let me know."
Zhulan was deeply gratified, feeling happy that her and Shuren’s teachings had borne fruit. The support of her family filled her heart with warmth. Even if the realm outside the residence was fraught with danger, she was unafraid.
Time was late, and each household retired to rest. Zhulan remained excited, "Nowadays, my granddaughters particularly look up to me."
Shuren laughed, "Look how pleased you are."
"This is a monumental change; how can I not be thrilled? Honestly, I’m surprised the Retired Emperor chose me. I can’t help but admire his magnanimity. His decree shattered the rule that only men can hold office."
Zhou Shuren replied, "To the Retired Emperor, we’ve always been mere chess pieces—pieces to weaken the noble families. I don’t deny his magnanimity, but the decree is full of calculations. A woman holding office, especially as the wife of Marquis Zhou, will attract considerable attention."
Zhulan responded, "Being used means my abilities are recognized."
Shuren chuckled, "Indeed, not everyone qualifies to be a chess piece. You are now a brilliant move in the royal family’s game."
Zhulan seemed far from displeased and said with a smile, "All my granddaughters support me. What surprises me even more is Yu Wen, who usually doesn’t care about anything, but is actually preparing to help me."
"Oh, has her detached demeanor shifted?"
Zhulan replied, "Today she had the most to say. It’s rare to see her find something interesting enough to abandon her detached outlook."
"And how do you feel about that?"
Zhulan shook her head, "I’ll test the waters first. Right now, everyone’s eyes are on me. Once I’ve secured my footing and sorted everything out, I’ll act."
"That’s reasonable."
The next morning at the Imperial Court, the Emperor interpreted the decree issued by the Empress Dowager, which stated that the orphanage for civilian children would not use Imperial Court resources, and its operations would be self-sustaining in the future. After the Emperor’s explanation, it slightly eased the acceptance of Zhulan, a woman taking up office.
Nonetheless, most people still found it intolerable—her appointment challenged the nerve of male supremacy. Mr. Li stood forth and criticized Zhou Shuren for failing to manage his household properly, among other things.
Zhou Shuren—tolerate it? Naturally, he wouldn’t. If anyone showed discontent toward his wife, they’d better prepare to be ripped apart.
Zhou Shuren didn’t even rely on the Lin family for support. He stepped forward himself and retorted, "Has Marquis Zhou eaten rice from Mr. Li’s household? Or relied on silver from your family to support mine?"
Mr. Li was stunned for a few seconds, his brows furrowing, "No, not at all."
Zhou Shuren’s tone was full of disdain, "Since you haven’t, it’s best you keep quiet. How I manage my household is none of your concern."
Mr. Li was incensed, "I acted with the best of intentions."
"Stop. Please don’t insult the idea of ’best intentions,’ Mr. Li. And if you think my management is inadequate, take a hard look at your own home. A man who favors concubines over his wife should really refrain from speaking further, lest I strip you of your last shred of dignity."
The officials couldn’t help but think: You’ve just publicly accused him of favoring concubines over his wife; you’ve left him no dignity to begin with.
When Zhou Shuren saw Mr. Li’s face flushed red and his hands trembling, he rolled his eyes and added, "Mr. Li, stop concerning yourself with women and focus on your own estate. Stop overspending your stipend—it’s a mystery how you even make ends meet. Frankly, I’m worried for your sake."
The Crown Prince glanced sympathetically at the faltering Mr. Li—how pitiful.
Zhou Shuren couldn’t be bothered with Mr. Li, as this was merely a pawn for probing. He swept his gaze across the court and said, "Speaking of household management, half of my accomplishments today are due to my wife. I know some people envy Marquis Zhou for marrying a wife skilled in earning silver and raising children well. Tch tch, envy won’t change a thing. My wife is one of a kind."
Turning to the Emperor, he added, "The Empress Dowager’s perceptive decision brings me great honor. The royal grace is boundless, and I pledge my utmost loyalty unto death."
The Emperor smirked slightly, "The Empress Dowager issued the decree, but it was written personally by me. Yang Shi’s abilities have earned respect across the royal family."
Now, even the books compiled by Yang Shi were being studied in depth, with admiration growing with each passing day.
Upon hearing this, the court erupted. How could Zhou Shuren’s wife gain such recognition from the royal family? What capabilities did she have that remained undisclosed?
Privately, the Emperor wasn’t in high spirits either. Despite explaining his mother’s decree during court, there were still dissenters. Very well, let them act.
The Lin family stared blankly at Zhou Shuren. Due to an engagement, naturally, they were inclined to assist the Marquis Zhou Household. Yet Zhou Shuren single-handedly fended off criticism and commanded the dynamics of the Imperial Court. Mr. Lin’s beard twitched upward in approval. To be aligned with Marquis Zhou was truly reassuring!
Mr. Yu glanced toward the Emperor swiftly. Today’s session had evidently been tailored to support the Marquis Zhou Household. Such royal favor and trust deeply unsettled him!
The Emperor fiddled with the string of pearls in his hands, ignoring the chatter below. Breaking convention required decisive action, and Yang Shi was someone his father and he both valued highly. Yang Shi served as an ideal distraction for the noble families, diverting their focus from the orphanage’s true essence. Perfect.
After court ended, Zhou Shuren bore an air of hostility as he left. Elder Wen, acting as though he didn’t notice, led his attendants forward, "Marquis Zhou’s magnanimity is truly admirable."
Zhou Shuren responded, "Ah, Elder Wen’s implication is that I am more magnanimous than you. May I interpret your words this way?"
Elder Wen, "...Does Marquis Zhou not fear the rumors outside? Are you not worried about the harm to your reputation?"
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes grandly, "Elder Wen, have you heard of ’The Spouse Effect’?"