Chapter 1652: Chapter 1652: Boosting Presence
Zhulan rested for a while and then looked over the account books again. These were just the problems shown in the books, but there were many unknown issues, like whether donations of clothes from various provinces were resold, or if donated grains were exchanged for coarse grains.
Zhulan was reluctant to assume the worst, but the reality matched her suspicions; the more she thought, the heavier her heart felt.
The next day, Zhulan personally went to the palace to hand over the account books to the Empress Dowager. After flipping through them, the Empress Dowager asked, “What are your thoughts?”
“I think we should send someone to carefully inspect, rather than just listen to reports.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Do you have someone in mind?”
Zhulan smiled, “These past few years, Marquis Rong has focused on the orphans and knows the estates outside the city best. It’s most suitable for him to check, and my grandson Ming Rui can assist.”
The Empress Dowager didn’t immediately agree, sighed, and said, “The people managing the estate were assigned by me initially.”
The current problem of embezzlement made the Empress Dowager furious.
Zhulan said, “It’s their inability to resist greed.”
She thought to herself that even in the capital, they probably accepted bribes, judging by their accounting skills, which were clearly of seasoned hands.
The Empress Dowager said, “This time, I will carefully select a steward.”
Afterward, the Empress Dowager inquired about many orphan-related matters, and when Zhulan left, there was no mention of sending Rong Enqing for inspection.
In the afternoon, Rong Enqing came to the Hou Residence, his face full of joy, “Old Madam, a message from the palace arrived, telling me to set off to inspect orphan estates in various states after the Crown Prince’s wedding.”
Zhulan asked, “Is the message from the Empress Dowager?”
Rong Enqing replied, “Yes, the Retired Emperor also assigned manpower to me, and yes, Ming Rui will accompany us.”
Zhulan figured that the Empress Dowager must have discussed it with the Retired Emperor before agreeing. Rong Enqing becoming a wealthy marquis was likely attributable to the Retired Emperor, and she said with a smile, “The royal family attaches great importance to orphans across the provinces, be diligent.”
Rong Enqing recognized the royal family’s concern for the orphans, who were about to become talents in the manor in the suburb of the capital, and the nation needed them, “I will.”
After Rong Enqing left, Zhulan called Ming Rui over, “While on this mission, visit the fields often to better understand the local economy and more.”
Ming Rui replied, “I will remember, Grandmother.”
Zhulan added, “Prepare warm clothing for this inspection; the journey during winter is harsh.”
“Don’t worry, Grandmother, I will take good care of myself.”
Zhulan gestured for the maids to leave, “The Empress Dowager is in charge now, and the Emperor expects to see the children from the manor in the suburb of the capital succeed. Once the Emperor sees results, the manor will change. Create a presence, cough, help with the tasks—it will be good for your future.”
Ming Rui’s eyes contained a smile, “Grandmother worries about everything for me.”
Zhulan laughed, “You’re so considerate that Grandmother wishes she could worry more.”
A quarter of an hour later, Ming Rui memorized his grandmother’s advice and left the main courtyard with a brisk step, determined to seize the opportunity before him.
Lin Qing noticed her husband return and sensed sharply, “What did Grandmother say to make you so happy?”
Once the chill left his body, Ming Rui picked up his daughter, “Grandmother found me a task.”
Lin Qing listened, felt happy for her husband, yet reluctant, “You might not return even for New Year.”
Ming Rui said, “Everything will be left to you at home.”
Lin Qing leaned on her husband’s shoulder, “Take care of yourself on the road and write home often.”
“Alright.”
Lin Qing lifted her head, “Rest assured, I will take good care of Father and Mother, and I will surely feed our daughter well.”
Ming Rui coughed softly, “Our daughter is already quite chubby.”
Lin Qing pinched her daughter’s chubby hand and laughed, “Indeed, she is.”
In the blink of an eye, seven days passed. Old Zhou returned with many items, and five or six boxes were displayed in the hall.
Zhulan asked, “So many furs?”
Lady Li pointed to a box of decorations, “Mother, there are these decorations too. What do you think?”
Zhulan examined them closely, “They’re all quite exquisite.”
Eldest Zhou explained, “With the prairie stabilized, commerce has become frequent. These decorations were bought from foreign merchants, as were the furs. I saw the quality was good, and the price fair, so I bought quite a few.”
Zhulan said, “This trip cost quite a bit of Silver, right?”
Lady Li smiled, “Not much.”
The main family’s daughters were all married, so there was no need to save for dowries. Lady Li had saved quite a bit of Silver over the years and spent it lavishly for the first time.
Zhulan asked, “How is Mingyun?”
Eldest Zhou replied, “He’s well. The child hasn’t been wronged and has grown sturdier.”
Lady Li continued, “He even took us horseback riding. Mother, riding horses on the prairie feels fantastic.”
Zhulan exclaimed, “You learned to ride horses?”
Lady Li proudly raised her chin, “Your daughter-in-law is also resourceful.”
“I think you’re just bold.”
Eldest Zhou laughed heartily, “She truly is bold. She whipped the horse, and it bolted. At first, she was screaming in fear, but soon overcame it and then mocked our son’s cowardice.”
Lady Li blushed and glared at her husband fiercely.
Zhulan glanced at Ran Wan, who had quietly sat upon returning, feeling that it was hard for Ran Wan after these couples reunited, “You’ve worked hard traveling back. Go rest.”
Eldest Zhou pointed at a box, “Mother, this box is for you and Father.”
Zhulan nodded in response, “Good.”
Eldest Zhou brought back many items, and after distributing them, not much was left. Yu Yi and the other girls received good furs. Yu Yi and Yu Jiao were not home, so their items were sent to their respective courtyards.
Eldest Zhou was not idle upon returning. The next day, he went to the manor; it was harvest season and many things needed his attention.
Days passed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was two days before the Crown Prince’s wedding, making the entire capital bustling with excitement.
On the street, Marquis Zhou’s carriage, Lin Xi said, “I really envy Cousin.”
Yu Wen turned her head, “What do you envy me for?”
Lin Xi squeezed her purse and said, “My Silver Coin was confiscated by Mother.”
Yu Wen asked speechlessly, “What have you done again?”
Lin Xi admitted guiltily, “I bought a horse. I fell in love with it at first sight, but it’s hard to tame.”
“Oh, Aunt is also afraid of the danger.”
“But she shouldn’t have taken all my Silver.”
Yu Wen curiously asked, “Didn’t Uncle secretly give you any Silver?”
Lin Xi said in a mournful tone, “You wouldn’t believe it, but the mighty Prince Qin’s pocket has less Silver than mine.”
Yu Wen laughed, “Then Uncle is really indulging you too much.”
Lin Xi sighed, “That’s why I envy you. Fourth Aunt doesn’t care about you.”
Yu Wen replied, “It’s because Mother is poor with only Silver remaining.”
“!!”
“Haha, I’m kidding you. Mother knows I am too lazy to go out.”
As they spoke, they arrived at the painting shop. Yu Wen and Lin Xi directly went upstairs; Yu Wen had been waiting to buy her grandmother a painting and had kept an eye on the shop. They had already sent a message early, and upon reaching upstairs, the shopkeeper greeted, “Magistrate Anhe.”
Yu Wen asked, “Where is the painting?”
The shopkeeper invited, “This way, please, Magistrate.”
Lin Xi rarely visited the painting shop, so the shopkeeper didn’t recognize her. The sisters entered the inner room, and the painting was already displayed.