Chapter 1689: Chapter 1689: Secret
Just as Zhulan suspected, the new version of the newspaper allows serialized stories; there won’t be any manuscript fees. For those submitting stories, they are more interested in becoming famous than in manuscript fees.
Zhou Shuren mentioned serialization in the newly established newspaper. Because it started a new publication, there are several new positions, managed by someone of the Seventh Rank, while many other positions were unsanctioned in rank. However, rare positions are still coveted, with everyone using them as stepping stones, hoping to manage the official newspaper in the future.
In recent years, the newspaper business has been thriving, with many people watching closely. Unfortunately, the Emperor does not allow competition, as he tightly controls the propaganda department, which is entirely staffed by his people.
On this day, Xue Mei finally returned to the capital. Zhulan said, “I thought you would postpone your trip to the capital until autumn.”
Xue Mei sheepishly replied, “Well, my grandson is quite attached to me, and I couldn’t bear to leave him.”
Thus, the days kept getting pushed back. When she returns to the capital, her grandson will surely be upset.
Zhulan understood the close bond between generations. In the past, Xue Mei and her husband were so free-spirited that they would leave at a moment’s notice, but now they couldn’t bear to be apart from their grandson. “Jiang Lei frequently mentions how you aren’t willing to return to the capital.”
Xue Mei felt even more guilty. “We won’t be leaving the capital for a few years.”
“Hmm?”
Xue Mei explained, “On this return, I found my parents-in-law have aged quite a bit. My husband wants to stay home and spend more time with the elders.”
Zhulan had not seen her relatives in a long time. “Indeed, you should spend more time with them.”
Xue Mei continued, “Father-in-law instructed my husband to send someone back to our hometown to select a place.”
Upon hearing this, Zhulan said, “You should take good care of them.”
Xue Mei nodded in agreement, “Hmm, my husband’s intention is to bring my elder brother’s grandson to the capital.”
“What’s your opinion?”
“I agreed to it. This time, seeing Father-in-law’s aged appearance has moved me deeply. Of course, what I can accept is the child, but definitely not my elder brother-in-law’s son.”
She agreed to bring a child to the capital to accompany her parents-in-law, to avoid any regrets the elderly might have. She wasn’t going to cause trouble for herself.
Xue Mei stayed for a meal, promising to return in the evening, then went home as she had many matters to handle there.
Zhulan distributed the gifts Xue Mei brought back among the various branches of the family, including some high-quality wood and embroidery.
In the afternoon, Lady Li came to the main house. “Mother, are we going to have a grand celebration for Father-in-law’s birthday this year?”
Zhulan replied, “No.”
Lady Li then talked about some of the recent major expenses in the mansion. After hearing this, Zhulan remarked, “If you want to live respectably, all kinds of expenses simply cannot be spared.”
The family has many servants, and each servant gets a salary. With twelve months a year, any joyous occasion doubles the expenses for food, clothing, and use. Just the yearly salary for the servants alone amounts to a substantial Silver Coin.
Lady Li, being the steward, had even more insight into this. “We have fewer banquets, which saves us a substantial amount.”
Zhulan chuckled, “It indeed saves a lot.”
Lady Li commented, “It’s hard for officials without a solid foundation.”
Having started to replace her mother in social engagements, she saw more, and that’s why she’s most impressed by her mother-in-law. The Zhou family’s initial foundation was amassed by her mother-in-law.
Zhulan suddenly asked, “Has Ming Hui not left the house recently?”
Lady Li was very attentive to Ming Hui, which was a concern that had developed over the years. “Do you also find it strange? I’m quite puzzled!”
Zhulan remarked, “His personality is not typically so quiet; it’s unlike him.”
Lady Li nodded in agreement. “My husband has probed him, but found nothing. I’ve observed him for two days; he spends all day in the study.”
Zhulan did not continue asking. Grandchildren grow up with their own ideas; she had just asked out of curiosity.
Lady Li, however, took it to heart. After conversing with her mother-in-law for a while, she left, turning into Ming Hui’s yard. Walking through the garden, Lady Li couldn’t help but marvel at the size of the Rongchuan clan’s land back in the day; the Emperor divided it in two, granting half to Father-in-law, and Marquis Zhou’s residence occupies quite a vast area.
Every child in the family has their own courtyard, and because each house doesn’t have concubines, many courtyards in the mansion remain vacant.
Lady Li arrived at Ming Hui’s courtyard. A young servant saw her and hurried forward. “Madam, you came.”
Lady Li said, “Delivering messages so loudly?”
The young servant lowered his head, “I dare not.”
Lady Li snorted; she didn’t believe it. At this time, Ming Hui walked out to greet her. “Mother, how come you’re free to visit your busy son?”
Lady Li quickly walked a few steps and squeezed past her son into the study. She glanced around but didn’t find anything. The desk had writing on it, leading her to ask suspiciously, “What are you hiding?”
Ming Hui replied, “Mother, even when I’m at home, you still worry. I’ll leave the residence tomorrow.”
Lady Li glared at him, “If I catch you doing anything bad, I’ll make sure your father disciplines you.”
Ming Hui protested, “I’m not doing anything bad!”
Lady Li reluctantly accepted this and left, as she had matters to attend to and was short on time to engage in a battle of wits with her son, though she couldn’t win anyway. Humming, she took her leave.
The next day, Mrs. Tao arrived with her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lin, for a visit. Zhulan smiled and asked Mrs. Lin, “Haven’t seen you in years. How is everything outside?”
Mrs. Lin responded, “Thank you for your concern. Everything is going well outside.”
She always had a favorable impression of Aunt Yang, unfortunately, she didn’t meet a good mother-in-law like Aunt Yang. She also appreciated that her mother-in-law was impacted by Aunt Yang; after her mother-in-law befriended Aunt Yang, days became much easier for her.
Mrs. Tao spoke up, “She brought you gifts. You should see if you like them.”
Zhulan had noticed them long before. “It feels truly bothersome to still be in the mind upon return.”
Mrs. Lin took the box. “You like painting; I found this dye hoping you’d like it.”
Zhulan liked it very much, “Thank you; I like it very much.”
Mrs. Tao said, “As long as you like it.”
The subsequent conversation revolved around some gossip in the capital, or Zhulan inquiring about stories from the south.
Mrs. Tao suddenly said, “Oh, the Luo family’s daughter married far away to the same prefecture where my eldest son serves.”
Zhulan immediately responded, “Is it the Luo family’s third daughter?”
Mrs. Tao nodded, “Yes.”
“That’s quite a coincidence.”
Mrs. Tao shot a look at her daughter-in-law, who opened her mouth to say, “The Luo family’s third daughter passed away long ago, and the Ji family has had quite a few disturbances since last year.”
Zhulan was astounded, “She’s already deceased?”
Mrs. Lin informed her, “She died five years ago; the Ji family has remarried. Last year, some unknown incident occurred, the wife remarried by the Ji family fell ill, and this year Ms. Ji returned to the capital, brought back by the Luo family’s people.”
Mrs. Tao continued, “The Luo family’s third daughter left behind just one daughter.”
Zhulan could already imagine the drama of household conflicts. “She’s not one to be easily bullied.”
She didn’t name names, but everyone in the room knew who she was referring to, as that Ms. Ji was known for her cunning.
Mrs. Tao and Mrs. Lin had just left when Yu Wen brought an invitation card. “Grandmother, the eldest princess has invited granddaughter to go horseback riding.”
Zhulan instructed, “Be very careful.”
All granddaughters could ride horses; they all learned on the estate. Yu Die had the best equestrian skills, while Yu Wen was rather inactive and seldom rode, which worried her.
Yu Wen didn’t want to go, but couldn’t refuse. Since she became Magistrate Anhe, an invitation from the eldest princess was not something she could decline. “Lin Xi is the most excited.”
Zhulan laughed aloud, “She is indeed the happiest, having been grounded recently!”
Ever since Rongchuan wasn’t busy, he spoiled Lin Xi immensely. The father and daughter teamed up to play wits against Xue Han, but this time it infuriated Xue Han, resulting in both father and daughter being grounded at home.
Grandson Zeze came to reveal that Rongchuan was banished to sleep in the study!