Chapter 1660: Chapter 1660: Clear Wind
Ming Hui was also agitated. It was very far from here to the county town, making it difficult to go out and shop. He sighed, "If it weren’t for the slow journey, I would really like to take the land route with you."
Yu Yueyang handed the handwarmer to his fiancée and said, "The water route is still faster, and you can see why no one is leaving."
Ming Hui had also considered waiting for a boat at the next riverbank port, but it required booking tickets in advance, and sometimes tickets were not available, so he finally abandoned the idea of tossing about.
Luckily, no one was seen to provoke them because they were young, and the guards’ skills deterred fellow travelers.
Yu Yi listened to the wind, "The temperature has dropped considerably in recent days."
Yu Jiao leaned against her sister, "Fortunately, sister bought more charcoal and food."
Yu Yi was also relieved; the return journey was indeed eventful, "Given the time, it should be snowing in the capital by now."
Yu Jiao missed her own courtyard, feeling depressed just thinking about being stuck here.
In the capital, after having dinner, Zhou Shuren and his wife were reading books when Chang Yi came in, "Father, Mother."
Zhou Shuren put down his book, "I’m already much better."
Chang Yi said, "Son knows, so I came to see you."
Zhou Shuren sat up, "What are you looking at your mother for?"
Chang Yi replied, "Today the Second Prince asked about father’s recovery."
Zhou Shuren said, "He must have mentioned something else."
Chang Yi nodded, "The Second Prince mentioned the orphans at the manor. He said he wanted to visit."
Zhulan thought the Second Prince had calmed down, "The stewards at the manor can’t stop a prince."
So there was no need to mention it to Chang Yi at all.
Chang Yi smiled, "Recently, the Second Prince has been diligent in his studies and has become more amiable."
Zhou Shuren thought to himself, "He’s getting smart, trying to rebuild his image. Just focus on your own duties."
Chang Yi was aware, "Son understands."
Zhou Shuren was not worried about his sons. Having navigated officialdom for many years, they could survive independently, "Ming Rui has been gone for some time."
Chang Yi was concerned about his son, "During this trip, he can learn a lot from Rong Enqing."
His father had taught Rong Enqing in the past. These years, though Rong Enqing kept a low profile, it did not mean he lacked ability. Having his son learn under Rong Enqing’s tutelage made him happy.
Zhou Shuren laughed, "It’s good that you think that way."
Chang Yi felt proud of his eldest son. He remembered his father had not fully recovered yet, so he stood up, "Father, you and mother should rest early. I’ll take my leave."
"Hmm."
After their son had left, Zhulan rubbed her shoulders, "You shouldn’t read either; rest early."
Zhou Shuren no longer intended to read, "Alright."
In the following days, although Zhou Shuren recovered, he did not rush back to court, nor did the Emperor press him, so Zhou Shuren stayed home.
After the first snowfall, no more snow had fallen; today marked the second snowfall of winter. The snow was not heavy, but the temperature was very low, comparable to the depths of winter.
Zhou Shuren warmed himself by the fire, "This weather is more comfortable at home."
Zhulan pointed to the book on the table, "Come and see the printed books."
Zhou Shuren said, "The printing is good; it’s a pity."
A touch of Zhulan’s joy faded, "It’s a pity I can’t use my real name, using Mr. Fengqing instead."
Zhou Shuren was also regretful. It was unfortunate that for broader promotion, not just for orphans to study, ancient norms were too harsh on women, and his wife’s name couldn’t be used. Prejudice was hard to dispel, "Future generations will vindicate you."
Zhulan caressed the book, "This is already quite good."
Now, it’s just the initial volumes laying the foundation. The remaining volumes will be promoted later. She didn’t care about the name, only hoped for a better future.
Chang Xhong braved the wind and snow into the courtyard. Zhou Shuren, seeing him, snorted, "Staying home in heavy snow is surely best."
Zhulan put away the book, and Chang Xhong still came in. The cloak maid took it away.
Seeing his father glare at him, Chang Xhong rubbed his nose, "Is son not a mischievous person?"
Zhou Shuren said, "You say that only to convince yourself."
Chang Xhong, feeling warmer, sat on the small table by the window and took off his shoes deftly to face his father, "Son was invited out by the Fourth Prince and future prince consort."
Zhou Shuren only knew his son had gone out after breakfast, "With the heavy snow and cold, what were you doing?"
Chang Xhong’s face was wooden, "Admiring the snow."
And it was outside admiring the snow, as if freezing him to death.
Zhulan had already asked the maid to change the tea to ginger tea, indicating her son to drink it, "Aren’t you afraid of getting sick?"
Chang Xhong said, "The Fourth Prince and the future prince consort got together, and they both hoped to get sick to avoid work."
One didn’t want to write assignments, the other didn’t want to go on duty.
Zhulan laughed, "Such idle and wealthy lives."
One had a Crown Prince brother, able to rely on him for a lifetime once he ascended the throne, while the other married a princess.
Chang Xhong looked at the snow outside the window, "This heavy snow, who knows when it will stop, or where Ming Hui and the others are?"
Zhulan calculated the days, "The last letter said they were delayed; they’ll be back a bit later."
As for where they’ve reached, she couldn’t figure it out either.
Chang Xhong worried, "In such cold weather, they’re suffering."
Zhou Shuren said, "I’ll return to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow."
Chang Xhong said, "Father, won’t you rest a few more days?"
Zhou Shuren pointed at the snow outside the window, which had turned into thick snowflakes, "I’m afraid it will lead to a disaster."
Chang Xhong became even more anxious, worrying about his nephews and nieces.
The next day, because of the heavy snow, there was no morning court session. The snow on the streets was thick, but luckily the heavy snow had stopped last night. Zhou Shuren thought about it and still went to the palace.
The snow inside the palace had been cleared. When Zhou Shuren arrived, the Emperor was discussing matters with the Crown Prince.
The Emperor signaled for ginger tea to be served, "I thought you would rest for a few more days."
Zhou Shuren said, "I am a worried soul. With the heavy snow yesterday, I didn’t sleep well all night."
The Emperor felt fortunate, "I feared it would turn into a snow disaster, but thankfully the snow stopped."
Zhou Shuren said, "I overheard something earlier; has the prairie suffered from the disaster?"
The Emperor gestured for Zhou Shuren to sit, "A few days ago, heavy snow fell on the prairie, and an urgent message was sent back to the capital."
Zhou Shuren’s heart was raised, "Are the cattle and sheep alright?"
After working so hard to grow their numbers.
The Emperor took out a Zhezi, handing it to Zhou Shuren, "See for yourself."
Zhou Shuren quickly read through the Zhezi. Although some had died from the cold, there were responses in place, and it hadn’t caused significant losses.
The Emperor continued, "I want to send a batch of grain over. Had you not entered the palace today, I would have sent someone to Hou Residence to inform you."
Zhou Shuren calculated in his mind, there was grain, only just recently stored, "We can allocate a batch of grain."
The Emperor also asked, "Is Ming Teng better?"
Zhou Shuren replied, "He’s already recovered and has been staying at home, observing mourning and writing scriptures lately."
The Emperor said, "He’s a good child."
Zhou Shuren felt sorry for his grandson. When he came to visit him after recovering, Ming Teng had gotten noticeably thinner after only a few days apart. The child had to observe mourning and a vegetarian diet; he couldn’t even help his grandson strengthen his body.
The Emperor continued, "Let this child rest well, don’t let him exhaust himself."
Zhou Shuren thought about talking to Ming Teng in the evening, "Yes."
At Rong An Hou Residence, Lau Jia got up to welcome her mother into the room, Mrs. Ma, "Is Ming Teng feeling any better?"
Lau Jia helped her mother sit down, "He is better. Mr. Hou is in the study, I will notify him."
Mrs. Ma waved her hand, "Don’t disturb Mr. Hou. I just came by because I was worried. Since you’re all well, I’ll sit for a while and then head back."