Chapter 1693: Chapter 1693: Seed
Zhou Shuren was extremely smug, feeling proud that others finally recognized how wonderful his wife was. Usually, he would remain silent unless necessary, but today he spoke much more due to his excitement.
Today, the Emperor summoned the ministers to discuss matters of citizen welfare and various industries, as well as the distribution of work among apprentices and orphans. The Emperor witnessed the efficiency and thought further; efficiency in many industries was too low, technologies had not improved for many years, clinging to tradition without innovation worried him as he observed the situation.
At a cost of one hundred and fifty coins per newspaper, the problem was clear. Although this price allowed the Imperial court to earn quite a bit, as an Emperor, he hoped newspapers would be more affordable for the masses.
Zhou Shuren suggested, "If the imperial merchants could take the lead in improving technology, it would be much more convenient."
The Xu family, which was almost eradicated due to scheming in the past, has now become the leading imperial merchant. The Emperor trusts the Xu family greatly, and they have never betrayed this trust, becoming increasingly modest in recent years. His impression of the Xu family has always been positive.
As long as the Emperor talks with the Xu family, they will know what to do, considering the Xu family’s vast enterprises spanning various industries.
Old Master Wen remarked, "I agree with Marquis Zhou’s proposal; it’s advisable to first discuss with the imperial merchants."
The Emperor glanced at the Minister of Works; he and his father allocated silver for the Ministry’s research annually, and they’ve developed many excellent technologies.
The Minister of Works spoke up, "The Ministry of Works has been continuously researching and has improved some technologies."
Zhou Shuren knew the Minister of Works had a habit of withholding information. When he said "some," it surely meant a lot. He believed that patent fees could be implemented, with most flowing to the Ministry of Revenue and a small portion reserved for continued research by the Ministry of Works. His eyes brightened, "It’s all silver."
The Emperor, "..."
The ministers, "..."
They saw the fervor in Zhou Shuren’s eyes, as though he wanted to devour the Minister of Works. The Minister of Works couldn’t help but step back, feeling uncomfortable under the Revenue Minister’s enthusiastic gaze, unlike when seeking silver monthly, where the Revenue Minister usually avoided him!
Zhou Shuren cleared his throat, "Don’t look at me like that; I’d like to inquire about how much technology has been improved? Have comparisons been made? Could you list it out for me later?"
The Crown Prince stifled his laughter and turned his head, the Emperor also chuckled; clearly, Zhou Shuren had new ideas.
Zhou Shuren exited the government hall, smiling outwardly but pondering internally. In ancient times, everything belonged to the Emperor; due to inconvenient transportation and other factors, no one cared about patents; royalty or nobility just voiced their wishes for offerings.
If patent fees were enacted, patent laws would likely follow, initially protecting Imperial interests but evolving over time; he was in no rush.
Zhou Shuren sighed, "I truly am someone who loves sowing seeds."
Old Master Wen, walking slowly, overheard and twitched his beard; sometimes, Zhou Hou’s thoughts were perplexing—what did that mean? Farming?
Zhou Shuren noticed Old Master Wen stopping and smiled, "Old Master, I heard you want to send your sixth grandson to the Propaganda Department?"
Old Master Wen’s face darkened, "Who did you hear this from?"
Zhou Shuren, "Still a secret?"
Old Master Wen took a deep breath, "There’s no such thing."
"Oh, then I must have guessed wrong."
"Didn’t you hear it?"
Zhou Shuren smiled serenely, "I misspoke."
Old Master Wen, "..."
Feeling quite indignant, if he engaged further, he’d forsake his surname!
Zhou Shuren saw Old Master Wen stomping away, looked up at the sky; indeed, today’s sky was truly blue. Stroking his beard while thinking of Wen’s sixth son, this illegitimate child was remarkable, receiving top-tier resources from the Wen family. The Propaganda Department was indeed a great place, albeit hard to enter.
Why did he know? Because he had a good son-in-law, despite his noble status, it limited the son-in-law, who was merely an acting leader, busy for several years before needing to step back; truly a brick at the Emperor’s disposal, to be moved wherever needed! Wang family and Tao Clan saw Yu Lu change into formal clothes and said, "Once the children arrive, we’ll go congratulate your grandmother."
Yu Lu was full of pride, the female dean—her grandmother is truly an exceptional woman!
Lin asked, "Mother, should we send someone to inquire again about the matter Aunt entrusted?"
Tao had already inquired once without much effect, "Okay, send someone again."
Lin said, "The capital’s reaction must be significant."
Tao found herself surprised, let alone others; feeling somewhat peculiar, she could only remain in the backhouse while Zhulan was already managing the academy—the gap seemed to widen.
Tao arrived at Marquis Zhou’s residence, bustling with people having received news, all there to congratulate; Tao reached the backyard and met Qi Clan.
Zhulan smiled, "You’ve come."
"For such a joyous occasion, how could I not come? Oh, let me have a good look at Dean Yang."
Zhulan, "Then in the future, just call me Dean Yang?"
Tao sat down and laughed, "Sure."
Qi Clan chimed in, "Once the reconstruction is done, you must invite us for a tour so we can broaden our knowledge."
Zhulan said, "I certainly will invite you for a tour; then you can see my arrangements."
Tao asked, "As a dean, who assists you?"
Zhulan didn’t hide anything, "There’s a deputy dean, a female officer from the palace, while other personnel choices are authorized to me."
Tao’s eyes widened, "Quite a bit of authority. However, is the Girls College composed entirely of women?"
Zhulan nodded, "Indeed, it’s important to avoid suspicion."
Separating it makes it inappropriate for men to enter—ancient times were particular.
Qi Clan chimed in, "Have you decided whom to invite for teaching?"
Zhulan laughed, "Don’t worry, I have plans in mind."
With the Emperor’s authorization, she could extend invitations; the Medical Department had female doctors, existing embroidery instructors needn’t be replaced, and other personnel were selected too.
Qi Clan was reassured; she feared Yang might face difficulties, so she thought aloud, "If you encounter any trouble, feel free to say; we’ve managed households for years and can help."
Zhulan sincerely thanked, "Thank you; if there’s an unsolvable issue, I won’t hesitate."
Soon, more guests arrived with congratulations; Yao Yao brought two daughters, despite seldom going out, still making guests think of the Yao family upon her arrival.
Hence, Yao Yao didn’t stay long and left early, while other guests lingered a bit longer before departing.
Zhulan rubbed her stiff laughing face, now just wanting to lie down and rest.
At the Ministry of Rites, Chang Yi saw the stiff Second Prince; though he had done much, his scheming yielded nothing, and Ji Deming gained no advantage.
Advancing within the Ministry of Rites was challenging; if the Second Prince hadn’t received a good position, Ji Deming faced hardship.
Chang Yi wandered before returning; now, with his brother-in-law in charge, even with intent or skill, the Ministry was daunting for those attempting interference. Thoughts turned to his son, proud of his son’s brilliance, continually studying notes he brought home and consulting expert teachers; Scholar achieved great success, organizing engravings into publishable books—a feat credited to his son.
Regrettably, other manuscripts were edited by people arranged by the Emperor; otherwise, he’d go to great lengths to procure unshared notes for his son.