Chapter 1477: Chapter 1477: Right Time, Right Place, Right People
Chang Yi listened again to confirm he hadn’t misheard and looked at the Marquis Ogodei’s son. "I am not of an examination background and must humbly learn. It would be better for you to seek another teacher."
Marquis Ogodei’s son replied, "I am already twenty, and starting anew in literature now, I do not know how many years it would take. I have heard of Master Zhou’s achievements and admire him greatly. Considering my linguistic talents, I have specially come to study under you."
He was already twenty, and pursuing the imperial examination was off the table. Unable to tread the military path either, he could only find alternative means. Marrying into the Zhou family was impossible; he doubted his intentions could escape Zhou family’s sharp perception.
Currently, the Ogodei clan only held the title of Marquis in name, and Zhou’s family could easily make things difficult for them. He had held hope for his sister, but yesterday, after his mother returned from the palace, she wept silently, forcing him to confront reality.
Chang Yi stared deeply at the princely heir. This young man clearly refused to accept an empty title and harbored ambitions for power. "I am incapable of guiding disciples. I must ask you to seek someone more capable."
Marquis Ogodei’s son knew success would not come through one meeting. Smiling, he said, "I am sincere and will surely prove my determination to you."
As soon as Marquis Ogodei’s son left, Sir Liu approached leisurely, "Why is he coming to the Ministry of Rites seeking you?"
Chang Yi replied tersely, "Ambition."
Sir Liu nodded, "His eyes betray him—clearly full of ambition. If the Imperial Court had not assimilated the grasslands, he would become a scourge in the years to come."
Chang Yi agreed. "Indeed, he is ruthless. He knows best how his brothers met their end."
Sir Liu warned him, "Be wary; one can tell he won’t stop until he achieves his goals."
"Mm."
At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren had little to do. During his period of recuperation, the ministry ran mostly independently, requiring his input only on important matters. With his spare time, he contemplated matters relating to the orphans.
Zhang Jinghong entered, bringing Zhou Shuren out of his thoughts. "Place the ledger on the table."
Zhang Jinghong set down the ledger, "Master Zhou, this is the month’s expenses for the children of East City."
Zhou Shuren picked up the ledger. "There are already over a hundred and fifty children?"
Zhang Jinghong nodded. "Yes, that’s after sending some children back home."
Though the government didn’t publicize much, residents of the capital were often gossiping, and many well-informed people found places to abandon children.
Zhou Shuren continued examining the ledger. The older children ate coarse grains and fish cakes, two meals a day. The younger ones were provided with finely ground corn porridge to drink. Even with fixed daily rations, the consumption for over 150 children was substantial. This didn’t even account for the food for the matrons and other workers.
Closing the ledger, Zhou Shuren said, "Tomorrow, there will be a delivery of grains and old clothes to the Ministry of Revenue. You are responsible for receiving and distributing them. Wait—if there are surplus clothes, set some aside; I have a use for them."
Zhang Jinghong replied, "Understood, Master Zhou. Speaking of old clothes, my household also has many discarded clothing from servants, which can likewise be sent to the ministry."
"Good. Thank you on behalf of the children."
Zhang Jinghong looked embarrassed. "I’m not deserving of thanks from the children. I’ll take my leave now."
After Zhang Jinghong left, Zhou Shuren reopened the ledger, took out a blank Zhezi, wrote down the expenses and data, and then presented his suggestions item by item. He concluded with an explanation of the benefits to the Imperial Court. Swiftly completing the Zhezi, he carefully checked for any omissions before setting it aside.
In the afternoon, after leaving the government office, Zhou Shuren met his second son. "Why weren’t you waiting for me in the carriage?"
"I didn’t wait long, Father. Be careful—it’s slippery with the snow."
Zhou Shuren was ushered into the carriage by his son. Once Chang Yi climbed aboard, he asked, "Did you meet me on purpose? Is something the matter?"
Chang Yi recounted the day’s events. "He has grand ambitions."
Touching his beard, Zhou Shuren remarked, "Marquis Ogodei holds an advantage over the other marquises; his daughter is imperial consort in the palace. If he remains prudent, he can live a comfortable life. This blessing isn’t afforded to the other Princes but is utterly wasted on him."
Aerola’s pregnancy turned out to be false—a calculated merit. As long as Marquis Ogodei behaved, the Emperor would grant some leniency to the Ogodei clan. But if they stirred trouble, his goodwill would vanish completely.
Chang Yi was at a loss. "With a sister as an imperial consort in the palace, why would he seek mischief? If they don’t use this time safely to foster the next generation, their meddling will only provoke the Emperor’s displeasure."
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard. "Because human greed knows no bounds."
The next morning, during court session, Zhou Shuren was the first to step forward. Presenting the Zhezi in his hand, he spoke deeply and gravely, "Last year’s border wars devastated countless households in our nation, leaving innumerable children fatherless. Every time I think of the relief silver for their families, I am reminded of the sons of the nation who sacrificed for its safety. As a minister, I cannot sleep peacefully."
Many ministers in court were puzzled, unable to discern Zhou Shuren’s intentions from these words.
Pausing briefly, Zhou Shuren continued, "I was born in the countryside and deeply understand the lives of common folk. A family without a pillar will face immense hardship. If there’s an eldest son who can shoulder responsibilities, they may get by. But if the widow is young and the children are small, can they survive? Women often must marry again. Some women are fiercely independent and take on the household without remarrying, but such cases are rare."
The Emperor finished reading the Zhezi and handed it to the Crown Prince.
Some ministers remained confused, while others managed to grasp elements of Zhou Shuren’s ideas.
Zhou Shuren pressed on, "When women remarry, what becomes of the children? Although they can stay with relatives or follow the mother into the new household, last year’s nationwide grain shortages left everyone struggling for sustenance. How long can relatives provide support? How generous will a new family be with food? These children are descendants of the nation’s heroes; they deserve better care, so they too can grow up to serve the country like their fathers."
Now everyone understood Zhou Shuren’s proposal. Some were touched, especially military officials, while civil officials—most being of noble clan origins—felt less empathetic. It was foolish to expect wealthy noble families to be compassionate!
Old Lord Wang had attended today’s court session; Zhou Shuren had discussed the matter with him the day prior. He believed it was beneficial, both for the nation and public sentiment.
Old Lord Wang stepped forward, "We must honor our deceased heroes and their spirits. I second this motion."
Others soon voiced support as well. With the Ministry of Revenue managing grain and silver, there would be no need for others to worry about resources. Observant ministers could see clearly that the Emperor was inclined to approve.
Indeed, the Emperor had agreed; he had broader goals in mind. Noble families and elites controlled vast resources, while poor scholars struggled to gain access to education. Though the nation seemed to have many scholars, the majority hailed from noble families.
Gathering and educating these children from a young age would make them indelibly loyal to the royal family and cultivate talent that could rival noble families. It would also loosen the grip noble clans had over resources.
Additionally, these orphans of fallen soldiers would serve as effective propaganda for the court, smoothing future recruitment efforts.
Zhou Shuren understood the Emperor’s perspective, so he emphasized the benefits of raising these children in his Zhezi. In a feudal society, ordinary people were conditioned intellectually by the ruling class. Zhou was setting the groundwork, planting seeds that would eventually take root and flourish.
The timing was perfect, aligning political advantages, popular sentiment, and situational need. Without these elements, attempting to establish an orphanage would face significant obstruction. Now the Emperor had every incentive to proceed, bolstered by the banner of patriotism.
By the time the noble families realized what was happening, the Emperor would have seized complete control over the initiative—something he sought to weaken their political influence. Naturally, he wouldn’t back down.
Though Zhou Shuren couldn’t foresee the long-term outcomes, he knew his descendants would live to see them unfold.
After court adjourned, Zhou Shuren stayed behind to discuss details with the Emperor. He advised, "First, we need an accurate count of how many children have been orphaned and how many are suffering abuse. The court must have clarity to avoid chaotic mismanagement."
The Crown Prince frowned, "Abuse?"
Zhou Shuren met the Crown Prince’s gaze with a compassionate look. "How many children face neglect once a stepfather comes into the picture and their mother transforms into a stepmother? Similarly, how many suffer under the iron fist of a stepmother when their father remarries? Abuse is common. Some children placed in the homes of unscrupulous uncles often face exploitation and hardship. Not all childhoods are idyllic—as Prince Qin himself endured much abuse in his younger years."
The Crown Prince humbly acknowledged, "I must admit, I know too little of common families. I will make an effort to visit villages more often."
Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow in approval. "The Crown Prince as our future ruler is a blessing for the people."
The Emperor was equally pleased and asked, "Who do you think is most suitable to oversee this matter?"
Zhou Shuren had no hesitation. "Apart from His Majesty, I believe none can undertake this responsibility. An Imperial Orphanage—might the Emperor consider it?"
The Emperor’s involvement and direct association with the royal household would shield the initiative. By the time noble households defied it, they would find themselves powerless, lamenting their lack of foresight in failing to block it earlier.