Chapter 1665: Chapter 1665: Contract
In the afternoon, Zhulan wanted to lie down for a while. Just after Chang Xhong left the main courtyard to look for his niece Yu Wen, the maid indicated that the niece was in the study. Chang Xhong was surprised, “You’re actually painting?”
Yu Wen put down the brush, “Why can’t I paint?”
“I’ve hardly ever seen you in the study.”
Yu Wen washed her hands and gestured for the maid to wash the brush, “Uncle, did you come to see your niece for something?”
Chang Xhong placed the card he was holding down, “Take a look.”
Yu Wen took it with curiosity, then put it down and said, “Zhuo Guyu not only plots against Gu Sheng’s reputation but also wants to ruin Gu Sheng’s marriage prospects.”
Not everyone can accept Gu Sheng selling his paintings. If his paintings are truly appreciated, Gu Sheng will become completely famous in the capital.
Chang Xhong, “I think that’s pretty good.”
Yu Wen was taken aback and then laughed, “I think Gu Sheng doesn’t mind either.”
Chang Xhong thought that if Gu Sheng minded, he wouldn’t sell his paintings. Gu Sheng is a very practical person, “I heard that Gu Sheng bought another shop?”
Yu Wen, “Where did Uncle hear that from?”
It’s been a long time since Uncle has seen Gu Sheng, and she hasn’t had anyone watch over him either.
Chang Xhong smiled, “His shop was bought through the future prince consort.”
Wu Shiheng’s character is very respected in the capital, and since he is the future prince consort, he has some influence everywhere. Shops in the capital are hard to buy; Gu Sheng doesn’t have the connections, so it was the future prince consort who helped.
Yu Wen, “It’s only been a short while, but Mr. Gu is very good at accumulating wealth.”
“Indeed, he’s someone who knows how to live.”
Near the entrance of the Hanlin Academy at the time when the government office closes, Gu Sheng most disliked one thing about Zhuo Guyu: every time he came to talk, it was always at closing time, simply because there were a lot of people around.
Zhuo Guyu’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, “I’m waiting for Mr. Gu.”
Gu Sheng’s face showed a faint smile, “I will be there on time.”
Chang Zhi heard someone laugh and turned around to see. Two scholars were secretly laughing, and when they noticed his gaze, they stopped smiling. Only then did he look at Zhuo Guyu, “I will also be there on time.”
Gu Sheng felt a bit apprehensive. He knew Mr. Zhou didn’t mind him selling paintings, but he wasn’t sure if Mr. Zhou minded his paintings being appraised. Seeing Mr. Zhou nod at him, Gu Sheng unclenched his tightly gripped palm, which was already sweaty.
Zhuo Guyu smiled at Gu Sheng, then turned and walked away, his face no longer showing a smile. He didn’t understand what it was about Gu Sheng that appealed to the Emperor?
Recently, as the year-end approached, there were no major issues in the court. The Emperor had called Gu Sheng into the palace several times to study, but he hadn’t gotten a single opportunity and couldn’t let Gu Sheng get ahead of him.
Gu Sheng waited for his brother to pick him up; these days, it was always his eldest brother who picked him up.
Guk Yan saw his brother’s expressionless face, “Did something happen?”
Gu Sheng recounted Zhuo Guyu’s invitation, and Guk Yan turned his head to look at his brother, “You’ve saved quite a bit of money recently; in the future, if someone asks you for a painting, you shouldn’t sell anymore.”
Gu Sheng, “The matter of people asking me for paintings is known to the Emperor.”
Guk Yan was dumbfounded, “Ah?”
The Emperor actually knows about this?
Gu Sheng recalled the day he knelt and admitted his wrongdoing. The Emperor wasn’t angry, smiling as he told him to get up, even saying he knew how to live. Bewildered, he left the palace, and as the cold wind blew repeatedly, he felt at ease. At least in the future, he wouldn’t be criticized over this matter.
He truly didn’t care about Zhuo Guyu appraising his paintings; he just wasn’t happy about being schemed against.
At the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren saw the chubby face of Wong Ju in the window of the Wong family’s carriage, stroked his beard, and still walked up, “You’re not going home after leaving the government office; why did you make a detour to the Ministry of Revenue?”
Wong Ju, “Hop on, I’ll take you back to the residence.”
Zhou Shuren, “…It’s always been my son or grandson picking me up.”
Wong Ju, “…”
Zhou Shuren laughed heartily but still got into the carriage. Wong Ju glared at Zhou Shuren, “How old are you to still take advantage of me?”
Zhou Shuren snorted, “Age doesn’t matter when it comes to taking advantage of you.”
Wong Ju grumbled, “I’m here for a serious matter.”
“I knew you wouldn’t take me home for no reason.”
Wong Ju took a book out of the carriage’s compartment, “This Mr. Fengqing is your sister-in-law, right?”
Zhou Shuren drank tea to warm himself, “You’ve guessed it, yet you’re still asking me?”
Wong Ju pinched the book, “It’s not just one volume, where are the others?”
Zhou Shuren slowly sipped his tea, “Just wait.”
Wong Ju put the book back, calculating in his head. He wasn’t going to wait, not with a granddaughter-in-law on his side, “Surely many people are guessing who Mr. Fengqing is?”
Zhou Shuren let out a ridiculing laugh, “There are quite a few smart people in the capital.”
A few princes have studied these books since they were young. An individual’s secret is a secret, but with many knowing, it’s no longer a secret. Even knowing, they wouldn’t publicize it, nor would they seek answers from him. Frankly speaking, they didn’t want to be surpassed by a woman, so they preferred not to talk about it.
The more the Emperor promoted it, the more they would keep their mouths shut.
Wong Ju stroked the book, “It’s a pity for your sister-in-law.”
Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes, “Does the Wong family plan to use this book in their clan’s studies?”
Wong Ju, “Of course, I’ve already found out it’ll be sold in bookstores in seven days.”
Zhou Shuren touched the deed in his bosom, feeling even better.
Wong Ju asked, “Will the imperial examinations change in the future?”
Zhou Shuren replied with a question, “Wouldn’t change be good?”
Wong Ju fell silent and then wistfully said, “You once said change brings innovation, so change is right, I suppose.”
It’s just that the long-standing traditions made him a bit unaccustomed.
Zhou Shuren’s eyes twinkled with humor, “Change brings a more beautiful future.”
Sticking to the status quo isn’t bad, but progress requires change.
At the entrance of the Hou Residence, Wong Ju watched Zhou Shuren get off the carriage, “I’ve brought you to your doorstep, won’t you invite me to a meal?”
Zhou Shuren waved without turning back, “No invite, goodbye.”
Wong Ju speechlessly watched Zhou Shuren enter the residence, then looked at the book by his side. The Yang family was indeed surprising. Then he sighed, someone capable of managing several estates so well couldn’t be simple, and many knowing the inside story were having sleepless nights.
In the main courtyard, Zhulan finished reading the deed and looked up at the sound of footsteps. Shuren, having changed clothes, emerged, “Two hundred silver taels every year? Did I see it wrong, is it annually?”
Zhou Shuren, “Yes, it’s given every year.”
Zhulan pointed to the writing on the deed, “As long as there are Zhou descendants, two hundred silver taels will be given every year.”
If the Zhou family ever faced a calamity in the future, with this deed, as long as the dynasty didn’t change, the royal family would have to acknowledge it. Two hundred silver taels a year could support a scholar, allowing for a comfortable life.
Moreover, it’s also a guarantee in disguise; as long as the Zhou family doesn’t rebel or face extinction, the descendants will have a path. It’s a guarantee left for the descendants.
Zhou Shuren felt lighthearted because of the deed, “This was the result of my negotiations with the Emperor; the Emperor wanted to give you a sum of silver.”
Only a fool would accept a one-time deal; these books were meticulously compiled by his wife. Human memory is finite; it’s not like having a photographic memory. Many of the book’s topics were composed by his wife, who also had to research various books. Her bookshelf was filled with many volumes, all products of her efforts.
Zhulan carefully stored the deed, “I’ll have the kitchen make a few more of your favorite dishes. Today you’re the hero, we can eat a bit later.”
Zhou Shuren looked at his wife with a smile as she pulled out a box, seeing her deep in thought, “What’s the matter?”