Chapter 1484: Chapter 1484: Calculate Heaven and Earth, But Not People
Inside the palace, Zhulan tightened her cloak, holding not a hand warmer in her arms, but her proposal. She had been carrying it herself all along. With each step on the green bricks, her gait was resolute—what she held could save many children, alter their destinies, and sow seeds of prosperity for the nation’s future.
As she made her way to the Empress Dowager’s quarters, Zhulan was surprised to find that the Retired Emperor was present as well.
Quickly composing herself, Zhulan decided that no matter who was there today, she had to succeed. "This humble servant greets the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager."
The Retired Emperor had decided to stay on a whim, curious to see why Zhou Shuren’s wife had come to the palace. He glanced at Yang’s wife—ah, it seemed she’d grown a bit plumper since their last meeting, her round little face resembling an elder woman. "Rise."
Zhulan stood up. Upon entering, she had handed her items to a palace maid. Now, as they were returned to her, she respectfully offered them with both hands. "This humble servant comes today on behalf of suffering children, and humbly asks the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager to examine these carefully."
The Retired Emperor shared a glance with his wife—it was clear that Yang’s wife’s decision to come to the palace was not a simple matter. He received the documents delivered by the Female Officer and began leafing through the proposal.
The Empress Dowager gestured for Zhulan to sit, then picked up a letter. As she unfolded it, her fingers paused slightly, her expression showing some surprise. "A family letter from your eldest son?"
Zhulan replied, "Indeed. My eldest son’s family letter moved me deeply."
The Empress Dowager started reading, page by page. Her initially casual demeanor gradually took on gravitas. She and the Retired Emperor had traveled through various provinces and seen some suffering among children, but the children they’d encountered were few compared to the vast investigations conducted by the Princely Heir, whose accounts revealed far more.
The Retired Emperor, reading while occasionally casting sidelong glances at Yang’s wife, noted her wisdom—this was no ordinary woman. Seeing her pull out one educational book after another, he thought, this woman carries deep thoughts and great intelligence. It was evident that the plan she presented was entirely of her own devising.
Zhulan naturally sensed the scrutinizing looks. She had anticipated everything before entering the palace today, and remained composed as she sat.
The Retired Emperor reached the final section, narrowing his eyes. The plan was ambitious, advocating for the cultivation of craftsmen and teaching children survival skills. The proposed investment in vocational education promised far-reaching impact.
Craftsmanship relies on tradition, passed down from one generation to the next. It’s safe to say that if the father is a craftsman, the descendants will commonly inherit the trade.
The Imperial court had witnessed firsthand the expertise of craftsmen from the Ministry of Works. Many technical advancements stemmed from their continuous research and improvements. Skilled craftsmen were in high demand, which Yang’s wife had acutely discerned.
The Retired Emperor’s gaze turned sharp. "Yang’s wife."
Zhulan braced herself and stood. "This humble servant is present."
The Retired Emperor studied her deeply. The chamber fell silent, with the Female Officer and palace maids standing motionless, like statues.
Zhulan felt the overwhelming pressure washing over her. She deliberately avoided looking at the Empress Dowager—this was clearly a test. If she couldn’t endure this level of scrutiny, how could she hope to accomplish anything? She had to seize the moment.
The Retired Emperor wasn’t surprised by Yang’s wife’s composure. Over the years, her talents had already become apparent to the royal family. "Your proposal is thorough. Now, let me ask you—what skill do you think these children should learn first?"
Zhulan exhaled in relief, having passed the first hurdle. Her confidence grew, ready to strike at the royal family’s needs. "Our dynasty has shipyards, which have long suffered a shortage of skilled workers and craftsmen. This humble servant believes that shipbuilding is a suitable starting point."
Advancing shipbuilding technology requires foundational knowledge such as arithmetic. Her books could be widely distributed and implemented, but for now, they were under royal control—keeping them locked away would be a disservice.
Knowledge must be shared, not hoarded.
The Retired Emperor shifted to a more upright sitting position. The scarcity of shipyard craftsmen had been a longstanding issue. Senior craftsmen only trained their own apprentices, leading to factionalism and rivalry between groups.
Rapid shipyard development in recent years had also bred opportunism among some craftsmen. The Emperor wished to recruit individuals on a large scale, but those brought in lacked foundational training and could only perform laborious tasks.
The Retired Emperor flipped to the last pages of the proposal again. A unified foundational education followed by advanced mentorship could foster self-sufficient craftsmen while creating a sense of urgency among current senior ones.
Narrowing his eyes, the Retired Emperor remarked, "Shipyard technology has stagnated these past few years. Zhou Marquis once said that failing to innovate is equivalent to regressing, and I wholeheartedly agree."
Zhulan understood the shipyard’s situation well; some craftsmen had grown complacent, basking in the spoils of honor and wealth while neglecting innovation. Breaking this hereditary monopoly was imperative.
Lowering her head, Zhulan replied, "Only competition fosters progress—those were my husband’s words."
The Retired Emperor glanced again at Yang’s wife. Her meticulously compiled books, especially the introductory ones, were well-suited for foundational education. The Emperor had originally planned to implement this idea after the Crown Prince ascended the throne, using it to bolster his popularity and legitimacy. Now, he mused, "I understand your intentions."
Zhulan raised her head and bowed deeply. "This humble servant takes her leave."
She had anticipated a discussion with the Empress Dowager, but the unexpected presence of the Retired Emperor had thrown everything off. The Empress Dowager had simply relinquished the matter entirely—this was a lesson in the unpredictability of human affairs.
As Zhulan left the chamber, surrounded by palace maids and a female officer escorting her, she resisted the urge to glance back. She suppressed her mixed feelings of joy over the Retired Emperor’s attention and frustration at being cut short. Why hadn’t he conversed with her for longer? Damn this antiquated era! All her carefully rehearsed speeches were wasted.
She was on the verge of bursting with annoyance—where was her grand address?
Inside the chamber, the Empress Dowager, watching her husband reopen the proposal for closer inspection, had her answer. "You agree with Yang’s wife’s ideas?"
The Retired Emperor handed the proposal over to her. "Take a look yourself."
The Empress Dowager reviewed the content quickly but thoroughly. Afterward, she commented, "Yang’s wife is kind-hearted, and Zhou Marquis and his wife are genuinely concerned about the people."
Walking with his hands behind his back, the Retired Emperor remarked, "They want change."
As someone who had helped secure the empire alongside her husband, the Empress Dowager had a discerning perspective. "What’s wrong with that? Some things are overdue for change."
To this, the Retired Emperor speculated that Zhou Shuren aimed to reform the current order, stating, "The noble families monopolize too many resources. For lasting prosperity, change is indeed necessary."
The Empress Dowager responded, "So you approve."
Instead of answering directly, the Retired Emperor noted, "If Yang’s wife were a man, she would undoubtedly be a pillar of the state."
"Is your assessment truly that high?"
The Retired Emperor smirked. "The books she compiled—you’ve read them yourself. Could any ordinary person accomplish such a feat? And Zhou Shuren isn’t someone who keeps things from his wife. Listen to her talk of competition fostering progress; isn’t that telling in itself?"
The idea that Zhou Shuren might be unaware of his wife’s actions was laughable. Not only was he aware, but he fully supported her efforts.
Zhou Shuren was a rarity in the Retired Emperor’s eyes—a man who encouraged his wife’s education, supported her learning, and even taught her personally. Such magnanimity and partnership were seldom seen, and in all his years, he had encountered only one Zhou Shuren.
The Empress Dowager’s heart brimmed with envy for Yang’s wife. "Zhou Marquis loves and values his wife dearly. I have no doubt that should anything happen to Yang’s wife, Zhou Marquis would remain alone."
At this, the Retired Emperor’s expression froze. Too much had been sacrificed and missed between him and his wife. Even though everything was behind them, the Empress Dowager’s heart still held lingering grievances.
Leaving the palace, Zhulan climbed into her own carriage and let down her guard, feeling thoroughly vexed. Qing Xue opened her mouth as if to speak, but thought better of it and stayed silent.
Suddenly, Zhulan directed the coachman, "To the Ministry of Revenue."
Qing Xue froze for a moment. "The Ministry of Revenue?"
Zhulan nodded. "Yes."
This was an opportunity to push her ambitions forward, yet with the unexpected presence of the Retired Emperor, she felt it was likely squandered. Frustrated beyond belief, she needed an outlet.
On the way to the Ministry of Revenue, sitting by the window of the carriage, Zhulan watched the scenery outside as her mood gradually stabilized. She reassured herself internally: if this opportunity slipped away, there would be others. Yet the disappointment gnawed at her—this had been such a rare opportunity! Why did the Retired Emperor have to be there? His presence changed everything!
Gazing out the window, Zhulan suddenly ordered, "Stop the carriage."