Capítulo 1682: Chapter 1682: Baseless Remarks
Zhou Shuren, being in a high position, finds that his every word and deed is easily over-interpreted. It’s not just him; every official has never written an article published in the newspaper. He was curious about his wife’s intention to write an article, “What kind of article would you like to write?”
Zhulan touched the newspaper, “I want to write something about education. Now, the books I organized and edited are being promoted in various states. Mr. Fengqing is already known by many people. I’ll start by testing the waters with a few articles. This pseudonym can do a lot in the future.”
Zhou Shuren pondered for a while, “I’ll have the opportunity to mention it to the Emperor.”
Although it’s an alias recognized by the Emperor, using this alias still requires the Emperor’s permission.
Zhulan thinks the Emperor won’t mind, “Alright.”
Zhou Shuren continued, “You dislike ancient articles the most. Are you sure you can write well?”
Zhulan glanced sideways, “Having read many articles, I can write them too. Besides, I will triumph with content.”
Zhou Shuren, “Come on, ask me to help you.”
Zhulan laughed, “Do you know what our family lacks the least?”
Zhou Shuren fell silent; the family lacks scholars the least. His wife doesn’t need to ask him for help!
Zhulan sighed after laughing, “The articles on the newspaper can be understood by scholars.”
It’s good enough for the common people to recognize characters, but understanding articles is difficult!
Zhou Shuren also felt helpless. In ancient times, there was no obligatory education. Scholars were few in each state, which is why newspaper development was slow—the few subscribers were all scholars.
There are also subscriptions among the people, but economic conditions are evident, and the common folk doesn’t subscribe much. More people would listen to government officers reading newspapers under the city walls.
Moreover, a newspaper issue must have content. After weighing various factors, it’s decided to be published once every seven days.
The next day, during the morning court, Zhou Shuren was preoccupied with his wife’s matter. He was distracted when he heard someone accusing Rong Enqing. He glanced at Rong Enqing.
Rong Enqing was very calm. He understood that there were countless schemes to bring him down.
The Emperor asked Rong Enqing, “Is there anything you want to say?”
Rong Enqing stepped forward, “I believe this is pure nonsense.”
As for taking profit from the people, huh, he indeed conducted business before he participated in the imperial examination. Now the Hou Residence does have its own earnings, but that’s granted by the Retired Emperor, and he doesn’t feel guilty at all—that’s exchanged by the Rong family’s treasury!
The Emperor said to the minister who presented the accusation, “Indeed, it’s nonsense.”
The minister presenting the accusation was dumbfounded. It couldn’t be; the Emperor, he indeed found evidence that Rong Enqing was involved in commerce!
Ministers in the hall considered this. Regardless of the Emperor’s defense or other intentions, using the accusation of profiteering from the people against Rong Enqing is unfeasible.
Zhou Shuren inwardly cursed; it’s often selfish motives. Sometimes he also found it tiresome that the court was not just for the people. High officials also vie for their family and benefits. When he first touched upon these battles, he found them interesting. After seeing them over the years, he’s become numb.
Zhou Shuren looked at the Emperor, tut-tut, at this moment he truly admired the Emperor for enduring despite being visibly impatient!
After the morning court ended, Rong Enqing was kept behind alone. Zhou Shuren reckoned he’d wait until tomorrow!
Wong Ju whispered, “Rong Enqing has been too conspicuous lately.”
“Hmm, hence he’s an eyesore.”
After looking left and right, Wong Ju leaned forward. Being a stout man, he accidentally bumped into Zhou Shuren, nearly causing him to fall. Wong Ju guiltily touched his nose, “Are you alright?”
Zhou Shuren was speechless, “You’ve gained weight again.”
Wong Ju tried to suck in his stomach, but it remained unchanged, a little embarrassed, “I gain weight even just by drinking water now.”
Zhou Shuren, “… What were you saying just now?”
Wong Ju said, “I wanted to ask you, Ming Rui is still a Scholar, not through the imperial examination. Now he’s following Rong Enqing till everything settles, how will you arrange for Ming Rui?”
He actually wanted to ask more about what his sister-in-law, the real contributor, would get now that Rong Enqing is taking charge.
Zhou Shuren saw through Wong Ju’s thoughts at a glance, “The Emperor has it clear in mind.”
Wong Ju’s thoughts flickered, and he grinned, “That’s good then.”
Not to mention that the two families are related through marriage, they’ve been friends for many years too. He also hopes the Zhou Marquis’ Residence would benefit. His father says that the Academy will eventually split from the Ministry of Rites. When it develops, there will be more vacant positions. Currently, the Wong family can’t partake, but with the Zhou Marquis’ Residence, the Wong family needn’t compete.
Wong Ju felt a bit bittersweet, being the head of a family is not easy, worrying himself sick for the family’s prosperity.
In the Suburb of the capital, Ming Rui came to see the progress of the manor’s reconstruction, chatting with his brother-in-law, “The progress is very fast.”
Wong Wei agreed, “Hmm, in half a month it should be mostly completed.”
“Once this is done, we can reconstruct the Girls Academy.”
Wong Wei smiled, “The Girls Academy occupies less space, so the reconstruction will be easy.”
With two reconstruction blueprints, the Boys Academy covers a wide area, with more detailed architectures, while the Girls Academy occupies half the space.
Ming Rui, having a daughter, felt more affected by this. Growing up with family education, he sighed looking at the two blueprints, about the unequal status. If not for the Emperor’s provision, the Girls Academy’s space would be even smaller.
Wong Wei continued, “Is the tuition settled yet?”
“Not yet, Rong Marquis is still visiting each village.”
Wong Wei said, “Recently, villagers have been asking. They know students will be recruited soon and are delighted yet worried the tuition might be too expensive.”
Ming Rui asked, “Hasn’t anyone inquired if it’s free?”
“Oh, there were some asking; people said orphans should be able to study for free since they won’t eat or drink here, why can’t they?”
“How did you respond?”
Wong Wei responded with a smile, “I replied as my father-in-law instructed, that orphans work to repay owed silver; once it’s repaid, they finish. It’s not free, and students recruited to the public will be charged tuition in the future.”
Ming Rui said, “For sure, some people suggested studying first and repaying the silver later.”
Wong Wei nodded, “Indeed, some did say that.”
Ming Rui smiled slightly; tuition must be collected. Soft-heartedness at the start won’t aid in development. Not just academies in the Suburb of the capital for learning skills; a soft heart doesn’t cultivate growth. The Technical Academy must gradually become self-sustaining for positive development, so there’s no room for softness.
Ming Rui stayed for a while before returning to the capital. He was busy lately and upon seeing an exquisite toy stall in the street, he signaled to halt and walked to the booth to purchase rattle drums and other toys.
He spent a total of a hundred coins, found the wooden carved zodiac interesting, and bought a few more. Then pointed at the loft models and said to the vendor, “Boss, the craftsmanship is quite good.”
The vendor smiled broadly, “Just some survival skills out of master’s eyes.”
But Ming Rui wasn’t in a hurry to leave, he asked the vendor, “Can you carve finely the southern courtyard?”
The vendor seemed troubled, “I don’t have that skill. You must have seen my rough craftsmanship. But my father could probably do it if you like.”
Ming Rui, “Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow with the blueprints.”
The vendor hesitated, but upon receiving the silver angle, immediately agreed, “Alright, at this time tomorrow I’ll be here waiting for you.”
As Ming Rui was about to turn and get on the carriage, he saw his uncle on horseback, “Uncle.”
Chang Xhong dismounted his horse, “You’re not busy?”
Ming Rui nodded, “I’m almost done with my work, now helping run errands, have you just returned, uncle?”
Chang Xhong’s expression was a bit unnatural, “Hmm.”
Ming Rui, “What’s wrong?”