Chapter 1684: Chapter 1684 The Gap
The Palace, Zhou Shuren flipping through Rong Enqing’s financial records, noting each expenditure of silver. This silver flows from the national treasury, disbursed by the Ministry of Revenue. Not much was spent on renovations; the bulk was on books.
The Emperor said, "Rong Enqing mentioned it would take two years for a positive development. What do you think?"
Zhou Shuren closed the records, "Rong Hou has his business acumen. He says two years; I trust him."
The Emperor said softly, "Back then, my father gave Rong Enqing the trade expeditions; he indeed managed them well."
He hadn’t paid much attention initially, but recently when Rong Enqing was reported, he couldn’t help but inquire. He then realized how much income Rong Enqing generated each year, making others envious.
Zhou Shuren felt that after being reported, Rong Enqing would be conservative, especially now that he has a good position. Rong Enqing is excellent at weighing pros and cons.
The Emperor continued, "I read your wife’s article."
Zhou Shuren wasn’t surprised; he had prepared himself when he mentioned it to the Emperor. His wife had just sent the article yesterday, and he remarked with a smile, "I wanted to help my wife with editing, but she didn’t need my help."
The Emperor asked, "Who helped her then?"
Zhou Shuren replied, "Ming Hui."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow, "Your grandson is quite something."
Zhou Shuren was also proud, "The children are self-disciplined in learning; I didn’t have to worry much."
"Saying it like that makes you deserve a beating."
"Am I not allowed to flaunt a bit?"
The Emperor waved his hand, "I have other matters. You may leave."
Zhou Shuren stood up and asked, "Your Majesty, how was my wife’s article?"
The Emperor looked up, "Not bad."
Zhou Shuren became even more proud, "I knew my wife had great talent."
The Emperor, impatiently waving him off, watched the old fox leave. He then took out the article, not expecting that Ms. Yang had such insights on education. This was just a trial article, showing that Ms. Yang indeed had talent.
The Crown Prince rose, "Father?"
The Emperor set the article down, "If your brother had a grand vision, I’d be at ease entrusting him with the Academy, but alas."
The Crown Prince understood that his father was aware of his younger brother’s deeds. He hadn’t suppressed his brother much, occasionally giving some pressure and quietly watching him make foolish mistakes.
Speaking of which, the same ranking, yet his brother was far behind Prince Qi. It was all because of the different governance of the court by their grandfather and father; his brother’s environment was too comfortable.
In the evening, Zhou Shuren listened to Chang Yi talk about how much effort he spent on Ming Rui, patiently listening before speaking, "Are you hinting to me that I’m not good to you?"
Chang Yi, "...."
Zhou Shuren continued, "Or do you want me to plot something for you?"
Chang Yi was frightened and wanted to kneel, "Father, you’ve misunderstood your son."
Zhulan couldn’t stand watching anymore, "Your son is already grown up, and you’re still bullying him."
Zhou Shuren snorted, "Regardless of age, he’s still my son."
Chang Yi, "..."
Zhulan chuckled, "Alright, you have time to talk with us; why not speak more with Ming Rui?"
Chang Yi touched his nose, "Son feels embarrassed."
It’s justified to plan for one’s son, but he feels too shy to say it directly to his son.
Zhou Shuren, "So it’s fine to tell me?"
"You’ve done so much for your son, and he wants to share with you, surely you’ll understand."
Zhou Shuren didn’t want to continue the topic and asked, "Are you sure the craftsman willingly gave the manuscripts? I don’t want to be criticized at court tomorrow."
Ancient manuscript inheritance is valuable, concerning a family’s future. Those entering the Ministry of Works are master-level, valuing heritage even more!
Chang Yi, "Son guarantees the other party willingly agreed."
"That’s good, alright, you may leave now."
Chang Yi, "!!"
He had more to say to his father!
Zhou Shuren watched his son leave feeling wronged, eyes full of laughter. Once Chang Yi left, he said to his wife, "Now you know how tough it is to be a father."
"Yes, yes, the children all know you have it the hardest."
Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Ming Rui indeed has a knack for education."
Zhulan also smiled, "Yes, this child is very suited for education."
Zhou Shuren was a common person too, hoping that his descendants would be noted in history. Thinking about it, the old man grew more cheerful, even hummed a tune.
The next day, Zhulan took Yu Yi to offer prayers. Sitting in the carriage, Zhulan took her granddaughter’s handkerchief, "Your embroidery is getting better and better."
The orchids on the handkerchief looked real.
Yu Yi saw her grandmother pleased, "Granddaughter will embroider a few handkerchiefs for grandma too."
"No need, embroidering too much strains the eyes, and grandma doesn’t lack handkerchiefs."
Though she liked them, she wouldn’t let her granddaughter embroider, as the manor kept embroiders; no need for her granddaughter to do it.
Yu Yi, "Grandma, you are indeed kind."
Zhulan laughed, "You too, all are good, filial girls."
Each granddaughter had her own traits, yet their filial piety was the same.
While talking, they met up with Ms. Tao, who brought news, "My daughter-in-law returns to the capital to stay for a while."
"Returning out of filial duty?"
Ms. Tao nodded, "My son is concerned about the old master, so he had his wife return to visit."
Zhulan asked, "Are you unhappy?"
Ms. Tao was indeed unhappy, "My son writes back saying he feels lonely being stationed outside."
Zhulan thought for a moment, "So your eldest daughter-in-law returned with a task?"
Ms. Tao, "Yes, Zhuo Ping is Wong Wei’s first son, so he won’t leave the capital. My son means to send Zhuo Qing over."
She sympathized with her son too. He only had Wong Wei as a child. Although he had many women in the harem, he lacked children. Missing his grandson was one thing, another was that without children, the mansion was too quiet.
Zhulan suppressed her discomfort and asked, "What does the old master say?"
Ms. Tao said, "My father-in-law disagrees."
Two children, Zhuo Ping is the eldest and needs strict teaching, while Zhuo Qing, being younger, is spoiled and lively, a joy in the mansion, she couldn’t bear to part.
Zhulan thought she’d ask Yu Lu later, "Is the old master better now?"
Ms. Tao, "Better."
Afterwards, Zhulan lost interest in chatting, and Ms. Tao was preoccupied. Both closed their eyes, resting.
Arriving at the temple, Zhulan had been exercising a lot lately and found it easier going up the mountain. Once at the top, she rested a moment to recover.
Ms. Tao wanted to offer blessings, and Zhulan thought of doing the same for her family.
An hour later, Yu Yi had been following Zhulan closely. Zhulan and Ms. Tao went to listen to the master’s sermon, signaling Yu Yi to look around.
Yu Yi said, "Granddaughter will head to the back to enjoy the scenery."
"Go ahead."
Yu Yi took her maid and nanny away, passing the hall where she saw a young lady bowing deeply. Yu Yi could hear her pain, and when the lady raised her head, her forehead was red.
Yu Yi was momentarily stunned, the lady was truly beautiful, seeming quite young, and would surely be a great beauty over time.
The maid saw her lady standing still and asked, "Miss?"
Yu Yi saw the lady in the hall rise and said with a smile, "Let’s go."
At the back of the mountain, Yu Yi, familiar with the temple, quickly found a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery, gesturing for her maids to rest while she continued to admire the mountain views.
She loved the scenery of the seasons, but if asked her favorite, she preferred the radiant autumn.
"Girl, are you alright?"
Yu Yi followed the voice to see the young lady sitting on a stone, her close maid helping to rub her knee.