Chapter 1679: Chapter 1679: Decision
The Emperor has made a decisive move, which even left Zhulan speechless. It seemed as if just yesterday Rong Enqing was put in charge of renovating the estate, and in just a few short days, it had transformed remarkably.
When Zhulan visited the estate again, the entire periphery was bustling with activity.
Wong Wei approached his grandmother, “Grandmother, father-in-law, you are here.”
Zhulan smiled, “The renovations here are quite fast.”
She had visited at the start of the construction, and now, in just a few days, the foundation was already laid.
Wong Wei replied, “The Emperor set a deadline for the renovation and deployed more craftsmen, along with hiring local residents, to achieve the current progress.”
Zhulan had already seen the blueprints. The renovation was a large project; the place would not just accommodate orphans in the future but also enroll children wanting to learn skills. The Emperor was practical and didn’t make the renovations lavish. The blueprints focused on utility.
Wong Wei, noticing the bustling crowds ahead, suggested, “Grandmother, there are many people coming and going ahead, which could be dangerous. Shall I accompany you around the perimeter?”
“Alright.”
She was worried and came by specifically to take a look.
Wong Wei had the task of overseeing the work because, regardless of the future of the Yue family, the foundation was laid by Mrs. Hou of the Zhou family. With two people supervising, he was one of the predetermined choices.
Zhulan looked around, noting that the estate wasn’t being renovated all at once but incrementally to ensure that the children had places to study. Initially, to save silver, she hadn’t sought aesthetically pleasing buildings, and they were all now being torn down.
This time, with funding from the Imperial court, Zhulan felt a bit melancholic thinking about the accounts she had submitted.
Eldest Zhou heard his mother sigh, “Mother, are you alright?”
Zhulan replied, “I’m fine. It’s just that with nothing to attend to, I feel somewhat sentimental.”
Eldest Zhou also felt melancholic. Previously, he had assisted his mother in shuttling between several estates, and now he too had nothing to do.
Wong Wei remained silent, unsure of how to comfort her. Ever since the Emperor issued the decree for renovation, too many people had been keeping an eye on the place, seeking benefits and fame.
Zhulan, after making a round, prepared to head back to the city. She brought some food for Wong Wei and left it, signaling him not to see her off.
Wong Wei watched as the carriage disappeared into the distance before turning back to continue with his work.
A colleague of Wong Wei’s enviously remarked, “Having a good in-law family does make a difference.”
Wong Wei smiled. Indeed, he gained many benefits because of his in-law family.
Once home, Zhulan, upon alighting from the carriage, saw Ming Rui, “Why are you at home?”
Rong Enqing had taken on the task of seeking teachers for future education, and Ming Rui also received good perks, organizing the books that the Emperor had ordered edited. Given Ming Rui’s years of experience in teaching children and his connections, no one targeted him.
Ming Rui responded, “Grandson is here to fetch some forgotten notes.”
Zhulan smiled, “Go on and get busy.”
Ming Rui nodded, “Okay.”
Only after his nephew had left by carriage did Eldest Zhou say, “Now that Rong Enqing handles duties alone without joining the Ministry of Rites, recently, people have been inquiring from my son.”
Zhulan didn’t stop walking, “What did you say?”
Eldest Zhou chuckled, “I claimed complete ignorance.”
Zhulan laughed, “Very good.”
Their speculations were normal; the Emperor only assigned the task to Rong Enqing without involving the Ministry of Rites. It wasn’t feasible to separate them, at least not now. The Emperor simply didn’t want the hassle, so he left the Ministry of Rites out of it.
The internal struggles within the Ministry of Rites were intense, and the Emperor was weary of watching the infighting as it hampered efficiency.
Returning to the main courtyard, Eldest Zhou said, “Mother, I’m heading back now.”
“Okay.”
Eldest Zhou looked at his mother with concern, worried that the old lady might feel upset. Recently, he and his wife had taken turns accompanying her. Seeing her in good spirits, he left reassured.
Within the Ministry of Rites, Chang Yi had become quite popular. Ever since he delegated powers, even though there was no one in the Hou Residence to take him lightly, they weren’t particularly warm to him either.
Now things were different; people constantly visited his office. He missed his future in-laws, although the in-laws didn’t want to see him!
Chang Yi looked at the Second Prince, oh, and his companion, Mr. Ji. Chang Yi had little emotion towards Mr. Ji, but acknowledged that Mr. Ji was an expert at playing the role of an aide, which was a skill in itself.
Chang Yi sighed, “Second Prince, this official knows nothing.”
The Second Prince replied with a smile, “I’m just here to have some tea.”
Chang Yi felt weary; he had been drinking too much tea lately and didn’t want any more.
On the surface, Ji Deming didn’t show it, but inside, he was incredibly jealous. He had entered through legitimate examinations, while Zhou Changyi attained his current rank purely because of his father’s scheming. Zhou Changyi hadn’t taken the exams, yet reached a rank Ji Deming might never achieve in a lifetime through his efforts.
Ji Deming suppressed his jealousy and attentively listened to the Second Prince.
Chang Yi had weathered many storms and encountered all sorts of people. Despite Ji Deming’s quick concealment, he sensed it. After all, he was envied by many, so Ji Deming was just one more.
In the Palace, Zhou Shuren played chess with the Emperor. The Emperor inquired, “Who do you suggest for the role of the first dean?”
Zhou Shuren responded lightly, “The Emperor already has a candidate in mind.”
The Emperor, “Talking with you is no fun.”
“Shall I take my leave then?”
The Emperor grunted, “My initial thought was to have my father be the first dean; it would be a ceremonial position, but he refused.”
Zhou Shuren lowered his gaze, “Would the dean of the Girls College also hold a ceremonial title?”
“You always get to the point.”
Zhou Shuren set down his chess piece and looked up, “The Empress Dowager hinted to my wife, so I naturally need to ask on her behalf.”
The Emperor murmured, “It wasn’t just a hint; it was clear.”
Zhou Shuren inquired, “So, does the dean of the Girls College hold actual power?”
The Emperor, “Yes, since I am providing educational opportunities for women, it needs knowledgeable management. The old lady has been doing excellently.”
Zhou Shuren thought, my wife will be delighted to hear this, “I thank the Prince for this.”
The Emperor continued playing chess, “This is well-deserved by the old lady.”
He had never underestimated women; he acknowledged Madame Yang’s ability. The women’s practice manuals had enlightened him to many things, marking a change, a transformation in women’s status.
The Emperor murmured to himself, “I hope my decision is right.”
Zhou Shuren felt intensely proud, knowing he had influenced the Emperor’s thinking, “Your decision will be lauded by future generations.”
The Emperor smiled, “As long as it doesn’t leave a bad name.”
Zhou Shuren replied with conviction, “It won’t. You are a good Emperor.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, feeling extremely content. It was rare to hear Zhou Shuren speak so earnestly.
After finishing a game of chess, the Emperor motioned for another round. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince was in the corner handling official documents, making Zhou Shuren tut-tut at how much the Emperor was stifling the Crown Prince.
By the time Zhou Shuren left the Palace, the sky was darkening. It was such a time that it wasn’t even the hour for leaving the government office. Jin Yan asked, “Mr. Hou, shall we head directly back to the residence?”
“Yes.”
That day, Zhou Shuren returned home early, signaling Jin Yan to take some rest, and cheerfully made his way to the main courtyard.
Zhulan, hearing footsteps, said, “You’re back?”
“Aren’t you curious why I returned early?”
Zhulan, “Is the Ministry of Revenue not busy?”
Zhou Shuren shook his head, “I came straight home from the Palace.”
Zhulan, observing Shuren’s smile, asked, “Is it good news?”
Zhou Shuren nodded, “Help me with my clothes.”
Noticing the clothes rack without any garments, Zhulan turned to the wardrobe to fetch some clothes, assisting in hanging the official attire that had been taken off.
While changing clothes, Zhou Shuren shared the news, “The Emperor approved what I asked for. Are you happy?”